It was always going to be this way wasn't it? Barcelona have advanced to the Champions League quarter finals, producing a convincing 5-1 win over Lyon. With Cristiano Ronaldo grabbing all the headlines in Juve's win over Atletico last night, we had the feeling that Messi could produce a similar display this evening. That is exactly what happened.
The Argentine superstar was sublime from start to finish, orchestrating a captivating Barcelona performance to lead his side past a stubborn Lyon outfit. He scored, he assisted, he dominated.
He would open the scoring for the Spanish side inside the first 20 minutes, looking like calmness personified to dink this penalty beyond the helpless Anthony Lopes.
Messi with the Panenka.
😍😍😍#BarcaLyon #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/48iEJckzZ8— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Coutinho would double his side's lead soon after, but Lyon wouldn't lie down. They got a goal back to put some doubt on the outcome of the tie, being only one goal away from going through on away goals. Messi soon put to rest any fears the Nou Camp crowd may have had.
He had the the Lyon defence on roller skates with this jinking run, coming up with the finish to assure safe passage to the next round.
Messi. Messi. Messi.
Leaves the Lyon defence is ribbons!#BarcaLyon #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/nabyqhHYQA— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Messi wasn't finished yet. He turned provider for their fourth, picking out an inch-perfect pass for Gerard Pique.
Piqué gets in on the act for Barca! 🔵🔴
That pick-out by Messi. 😍#BarcaLyon #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/Rh5jTUHb00— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
He found time to pad his stats even further before the end of the game, playing in Ousmane Dembele for Barca's fifth of the night.
Ousmane Dembélé gives Barca a 5th.
Again, Messi assist.
Again, it's pretty good.#BarcaLyon #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/N5abWj78iz— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
It was a thoroughly convincing performance from Barcelona, and they look well placed to end their Champions League drought this season. Along with Manchester City, they are the favourites for the competition.
A meeting with Pep Guardiola's side would be an unbelievable occasion, and it is definitely one we want to see this season.
