Lionel Messi did what he does best as he led Barcelona to a crucial victory in a hard-fought game against Valencia in La Liga.

Barcelona vs Valencia always tends to be exciting. There seem to always be goals, always some eventful incidents and excitement.

This last game had everything as well. Paulista’s goal never should’ve stood for Los Che for starters as a VAR decision went against the Catalans but Soler’s rocket for the home side just has to be applauded.

However, it was not enough as Lionel Messi came to the rescue once again to keep Barca’s hopes of winning the league title alive.

It was another man of the match showing from the Argentinian who had to overcome some drama himself to see his side through as he missed a penalty and still managed to bag a brace.

Against the drama of what happened before the start of the campaign, off the pitch with Josep Maria Bartomeu (the former Barca president), it was not surprising to think that Messi’s performance would dip and his determination and hunger may be lacking. However, he has been on top of his game and is still, by far, the best player in Spain.

 

 

When opponents put two, three or even four men on him, then we can’t expect miracles. Or can we?

Against Valencia, Messi just displayed his greatness once again. The only thing negative point from his performance all night was his fluffed penalty.

The freekick Messi scored was just sensational, but also just routine for him. Carlos Soler’s piledriver also deserves praise.

Perhaps, more than any other season since he began playing in the first-team, Messi deserves the La Liga title. Whether he and his teammates win is another question entirely, but with four games still to play, the Catalans are in with a shout.