The Barcelona maestro consistently amazes with his extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime talent and he was at it again on Tuesday evening against last season’s Champions League finalists Juventus at the Camp nou, scoring two goals, one either side of half-time, to help Barça record a convincing 3-0 victory over their Italian opponents.
The 30-year-old has never scored against Juve’s legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon prior to Tuesday night.
EVEN MARCA HAILED MESSI'S PERFORMANCE
Messi was almost perfect against Juve and even the pro-Real Madrid newspaper Marca had to take their hat off and praise the South American genius.
“There are few words you can use to describe him,” Marca journalist Sergi Sanz wrote. “Two shots that left Gianluigi Buffon with absolutely no chance and gave several more examples of his ability. In a more central role now, you get the feeling he will score in every game he plays.”
VALVERDE: I'M LUCKY HE'S NOW ON MY TEAM!
Meanwhile, Barça head coach Ernesto Valverde, who replaced Luis Enrique in the summer, is thanking his lucky stars that he now had the privilege of managing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
"I have suffered against Messi many times; now I am lucky enough to have him on my team," a smiling Valverde told reporters, in his post-match press conference.
"When he has the ball you always believe that anything can happen -- good things for us. It's not just about his goals, either, but his all round involvement."
Allegri: If you give Messi space, he is unstoppable
Conceding too much time and space to Lionel Messi was Juventus' undoing against Barcelona, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri.The Argentine ended his barren run against Gianluigi Buffon by scoring with two well-taken goals.Another from Ivan Rakitic helped Ernesto Valverde's men to a 3-0 victory and Allegri attempted to explain his side's problems afterwards."Barcelona are a team that can play games like that very well," said the Italian. "In the first half, I thought we dealt with Messi and [Andres] Iniesta quite well but not so much in the second half."Messi made the difference and [Paulo] Dybala did not. He had three shots on goal, scored twice and also hit the post once. He's unstoppable when he has space."What this result does is make us understand that if you play in the Champions League against teams of that level and don't keep your concentration then you pay for it."We must grow and be more focused and solid at the mental level. We lost our concentration."
Social media was also left purring over Messi following another masterful performance…
Carles Puyol :" Who's the best?".
Gary Lineker :"Messi's a joke".
ravel morrison: "The best player ever has now scored past Buffon now what are use all going to say next, messi is the best ever to walk on a football pitch".
Match Sheet:
3.- FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta (Andre Gomes, min. 83), Rakitic (Paulinho, min. 77), Messi, Dembele (Sergi Roberto, min. 71), Suarez.
0.- Juventus: Buffon, De Sciglio (Sturaro, min. 41), Benatia, Barzagli, Bentancur (Bernardeschi, min. 63), Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Pjanic, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Higuain (Caligara, min. 87).
Goals: 1-0, min. 45: Messi; 2-0, min. 56: Rakitic; 3-0, min. 69: Messi.
Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia).
Yellow cards: Betancur (Min. 26) for Juventus, Semedo (Min. 35) for Barcelona, Messi (Min. 54) for Barcelona, Barzagli (Min. 61) for Juventus, Pjanic (Min. 75) for Juventus.
Red cards: None.
Stadium: Camp Nou.
Attendance: 70.000.
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EnJoy☺
Hi, as a sign of my support for the tag #sports and #football, I vote for you and begin to follow you
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thank you for your supporting, i guess you're a true football fan,as i am ☺, i watch all the good matches in (premier league, la liga, league A(JUVE, Ac Milan)) and i'll also following you ☻
i want to make a match analysis for champions league good matches and barça, but it's too much writing, but if i'll get a good support i'll do it.
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Messi is overrated by everyone. He has had the same style as a footballer since he was knee high. He`s a one trick pony. He is a great footballer but not world class. Him and Ronaldo are on the same level just like The Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney were. Messi has never tested himself out in other leagues to show his proper worth. The only 2 world class players they have ever been is Pele and Maradona. Until he wins a World Cup he is just another great player like Ronaldo. In the last 10 years Ronaldo has been the only player who has totally transferred himself as a player. Where has Messi been for the last 4 years since Real Madrid picked up 3 Champion Leagues since then?
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