Even by Lionel Messi’s ridiculous standards, the Barcelona captain’s 90 minutes against Valladolid at the Camp Nou on Tuesday constitute something outrageous. After the two clubs exchanged heavily deflected efforts in the opening 15 minutes, Messi sprang into action with a beautiful assist, stunning free kick (and two brutal nutmegs) to put Barcelona up 3-1 at halftime. In the second half, he scored another goal and added another assist to lift Barça to the top of the LaLiga table.
Messi’s first major contribution arrived in the 29th minute. After receiving the ball from Arturo Vidal 40 yards from goal, Messi advanced slowly towards goal — attracting three defenders — before curling an inch-perfect ball over the top for Vidal, who’d continued his run into the box from deep.
Vidal’s one-touch finish was pretty cute too.
Just look at Vidal’s goal man. What an assist,what a goal! pic.twitter.com/STmQ8R2dkb
— MessiHolic (@holic_messi) October 29, 2019
Five minutes later, Messi had a free kick in a dangerous area with everyone — Messi, the Camp Nou, the Valladolid wall and goalkeeper Jodri Masip — knowing exactly what he’d attempt. But there’s absolutely no stopping it anymore.
Lionel Messi just scored the 50th free kick of his career. Not a bad player really. pic.twitter.com/nPgNREMxT6
— FUN88 (@fun88eng) October 29, 2019
Messi with his 50th free-kick goal of his career. Filmed from the stands pic.twitter.com/y2k60dTxjG
— Football Stands (@TheFootyStands) October 29, 2019
If it seems like he’s doing this every time now, that’s because he is. The question over who’s the best free kick taker on the planet isn’t even a question now — it’s not even close. It was the 50th successful free kick of Messi’s career.
Lionel Messi has now scored 16 direct free-kick goals in LaLiga since the start of the 2016/17 season.
At least 10 more than any other player. pic.twitter.com/Pbm7rn7lD1— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 29, 2019
Messi spent the rest of the half brining the Camp Nou to its feet with two merciless megs.
Stop it Messi. You don't have to be so cruel all the time! pic.twitter.com/McYeYsR8Oi
— Football HQ (@FootbaII_HQ) October 29, 2019
HT #BarcaValladolid: Messi with stunning free kick, inch-perfect assist and two megs. pic.twitter.com/4DDCCMF5vj
— Conman Fleming (@ConmanFleming) October 29, 2019
The second half was more of the same.
In the 75th minute, Messi scored his second with Ivan Rakitić providing the assist. The Croatian’s precise pass split Valladolid apart, and Messi’s perfect thigh control allowed him to poetically turn and fire one beyond Masip.
Beautiful assist by Rakitic & fantastic finish by #Messi!! #Barca #ForcaBarca #Messi #BarcaRealValladolid #BarcaValladolid pic.twitter.com/eShiXWCCQA
— Saurabh Kahadane (@SKahadane) October 29, 2019
Two minutes later, Messi recorded his second assist when threading the needle to Luis Suárez.
E continua...
Bem sei que o golo é do Suárez, mas a visão de jogo para ver a linha de passe por entre 4 ou 5 adversários e a qualidade técnica para depois executar o passe...acaba por ofuscar o golo do uruguaio que, pela jogada do Messi, parece fácil...O melhor de sempre. pic.twitter.com/YYbdWGpVSS
— Bruno Marinheiro (@MarinhasGod) October 29, 2019
After Atlético Madrid failed to defeat Alavés earlier in the day because of a Lucas Pérez stunner, the victory puts Barcelona on top of LaLiga with a two-point lead over both Atlético and Granada.
Full Match Highlights
#BarçaRealValladolid was all about one man...
L E O M E S S I pic.twitter.com/H9FEPV23zt— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) October 29, 2019
Best moments of @FCBarcelona - @realvalladolid #FCBarcelona
#Lenglet
#Vidal
#Messi
#Suárez#Valladolid
#Kiko pic.twitter.com/pAS4Pk5dXz— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 29, 2019
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