Page 3 - Slavia Prague 1-2 Barcelona: 3 Reasons why the Blaugrana won

#1 Lionel Messi the point of difference, yet again

Messi popped up with a goal and an assist

Barcelona started the 2019-20 season in extremely patchy fashion. The Blaugrana failed to win their opening four away fixtures and looked a calamitous on their away trips. However, recently, they’ve found their groove, meaning that they’ve reclaimed top spot in the La Liga. And, unsurprisingly, that run of positive results has dovetailed with the return of a certain Lionel Messi.

The Argentine missed a major chunk of the early exchanges and that contributed to Barcelona’s attack looking quite toothless, especially on the road. Yet, he has managed to cure that ailment almost single-handedly by providing creativity and thrust in attacking positions. And, that aspect again came to the fore in Prague on Wednesday.

Messi looked a bundle of energy from the outset and was at the heart of everything good the visitors did offensively. He pinched the ball in midfield before laying it on for Arthur. The Brazilian then returned the favour as the Argentine made the net ripple in the 3rd minute.

Thereafter, he helped carved numerous chances for his team-mates including the second goal. The forward whipped in a delicious free-kick from the left channel and it evaded the Slavia defenders as it found its way to Suarez. The striker’s shot took a massive deflection and allowed Barcelona to regain their lead.

Even though Messi was guilty of a few slack moments, namely a dreadful miss from a Jordi Alba cross and a misplaced pass in stoppage time, he still did enough to ensure his side came away with three points.

Over the years, not many players have been as influential for their sides as Messi. Yet, somehow, with each passing season, he has been able to highlight his importance even more.

And, perhaps, Barcelona might do well to wrap him up in cotton wool for the rest of the term.