Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday night.
SEE MORE
(Video highlights) Barcelona 3-0 Bayern Munich: Lionel Messi shows why he is the best in the world
(Video) Neymar goal v Bayern Munich: Barcelona’s Brazilian finishes tie
(Video) Messi 2nd goal v Bayern Munich: Barcelona man bags jaw-dropping effort in 3-0 win
The Bundesliga champions had held firm and even caused the Catalan club some problems for 77 minutes before the Argentinian changed the tie almost single handedly.
For the first goal he cut in from the right after Barca had won the ball high up the field to finish with aplomb from outside the area. His shot went inside the near corner to beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had been in fine form throughout the match. The 27-year-old then made Jerome Boateng fall over before putting it past the stopper again, this time with a deft lob.
To wrap things up the four time Ballon d’Or winner played in Neymar in the fourth minute of added time to complete the rout, and possibly the tie. Is this the first time a single player has decided a Champions League semifinal?
There are 2 types of people in this world. Those who think Messi is the best player in the world, and those who know nothing about football.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) May 6, 2015
Heard at the Camp Nou – (a friend to an Argentinean) You must be happy for your compatriot – he’s not Argentinean, he is from Mars
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 6, 2015
“Is Messi still there?” pic.twitter.com/mQtZGfGbcu
— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) May 6, 2015
We’ve run out of adjectives to describe #Messi Got any suggestions? pic.twitter.com/3rko18k8gU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 6, 2015
It’s such a joy to watch Messi. The greatest!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 6, 2015
Anyone still arguing? He’s the Messiah. I should know, I’ve followed a few.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 6, 2015
He’s from a different planet. #Messi ????????
— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley20) May 6, 2015
Boateng vs. Messi pic.twitter.com/OLVvNFY2zL
— Ariel Tiferes (@Gauyo) May 6, 2015