3 Reasons why Barcelona look primed to win the UEFA Champions League

#1 Lionel Messi's brilliant form

Messi has been sumptuous this term

Messi, arguably the greatest footballer the world has ever seen, came in for some stick at the back end of last season when his failure to get Barcelona across the finish line in Europe was magnified exponentially.

Stung by the criticism and the Ballon d'Or snub, the Argentine has been sensational this term. At the moment, Messi leads the race for the Golden Shoe with 19 goals. Additionally, he has mustered 13 assists across all competitions and has simply been the best footballer across Europe.

Under Barcelona’s new system, Messi has been given a freer role and the No.10 has revealed so far. With willing runners of the ilk of Suarez, Alba and Dembele in the ranks, Messi has provided the ammunition for them to rifle home.

There are some things in life one can’t control and a Messi on song is just one of those. If the Argentine scales the dizzying heights he is capable of, none across Europe can handle him.

Over the past couple of seasons though, Messi hasn’t come up trumps when needed. Yet, this season, with many questioning his place among the pantheon of greats, he seems a man possessed.

For all of Barcelona’s improvement across the pitch, the Champions League could well boil down to how their talisman performs in clutch situations. And if early season form is any indicator, a sixth UCL triumph might not be too distant a dream after all.