Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points

#1 Messi magic prevails again, despite inadequate support

Messi came up clutch again when Barca needed him most, despite limited attacking support

Messi magic rules supreme again. As it has on countless occasions this season alone, Lionel Messi dazzled his individual brilliance once more to put a wasteful Liverpool to the sword - while scoring his 600th career goal in style.

The narrative that he struggles against English teams has long been destroyed, though critics persist with suggestions that he doesn't deliver when the pressure is at its peak. Well, he continues silencing those whispers and does it so emphatically. The evolution of his game means that dropping deeper and seeing him float across various positions shouldn't be surprising.

He's 32 next month - preserving his ridiculous goalscoring output while enhancing his playmaking abilities will improve the Argentine's longevity, though it seems some commentators still don't understand that when they watch him at work. Claiming he was "quiet" during sustained periods of Liverpool pressure, Lionel suddenly burst into life and Barca's lead had tripled within a flash.

But like I said on the weekend, it was imperative Liverpool did their homework on Messi if they were to stand any chance of winning here. They certainly did not. Affording him too much space to roam forward, even with players attempting to cut off passing lanes and pressuring him into mistakes, meant he could dictate attacks at his own pace. When you're a goal down at the Camp Nou and need an away goal, that's never a good thing.

Nine completed dribbles to accompany a key pass created and four fouls won, he continued to spray inviting balls for teammates - despite lacking consistent attacking support and runners from midfield. After being rewarded for opportune timing to convert from close-range for Barca's second, he completed his brace with a beautiful free-kick strike 30 yards out - his eighth from direct set-pieces this campaign, a career-high for the magician.

600 career goals, complete. A three-goal advantage to take with them as a raucous Anfield awaits next Tuesday, sealed. Messi once again ensures his side have one foot firmly in this month's Champions League final.

Stats' source: WhoScored and Opta