Barcelona 3-1 Borussia Dortmund: 3 Reasons why the Blaugrana won | Champions League 2019-20

#1 Lionel Messi dazzles on his 700th club appearance

Messi was simply brilliant

Before the game began, Lionel Messi created a bit of history as he became only the 2nd footballer to ever don the Blaugrana jersey 700 times. And, he celebrated that milestone on the pitch with a virtuoso display.

The Argentine was a bundle of energy throughout the game and kept posing all kinds of questions to the Dortmund rear-guard. And, whenever the German side felt that they had a miniscule solution, he created even more problems, meaning that the visitors never enjoyed a defensive moment of peace.

The Barcelona captain combined well with the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Rakitic and provided a constant passing outlet to the central midfielders. Additionally, his link-up play with Suarez was exemplary as Messi teed up the former for the first goal before the Uruguayan returned the favour a few minutes later.

After the break, the Argentine set up Griezmann for his 1st Champions League goal of the season with an inch-perfect through ball.

Apart from his goal contributions, he led the Dortmund defence a merry dance with his dazzling dribbling abilities and left the visiting midfielders and defenders dizzy at times.

And, to cap of an exceptional display, he hit the crossbar from a free-kick on the right flank.

Over the years, Messi has provided countless memories at the Camp Nou, with his propensity to outdo himself unparalleled. And, while it would be wise to not delve into a discussion on his greatest ever performances in the Champions League, one can’t help but gape at his mastery in awe on Wednesday.