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Barcelona: Lionel Messi’s return to form is ideally timed

By Chiranjib Ghosh

SEVILLA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates 2-3 during the La Liga Santander match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 23, 2019 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
SEVILLA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates 2-3 during the La Liga Santander match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 23, 2019 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona’s victory over Sevilla signified Lionel Messi’s return to form

Before Barcelona’s away 4-2 win over Sevilla, Lionel Messi had been going through some of the worst form of his career. His comeback from injury was blighted by Ernesto Valverde’s decision to rush him back into action, and he was failing to find the back of the net.

The last time when Messi had scored from open play was back in the 2-2 draw with Valencia, when he scored both goals. But he went on a dry run against Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao before netting a penalty in the 1-0 home win over Real Valladolid.

Again, he failed to score in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 against Lyon despite quite a few opportunities. Moreover, his general level of performance was also very poor, as he failed to create opportunities for his teammates, most notably Luis Suárez.

But all of those problems were solved in the victory against Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán. He scored second hat-trick in the league this season, and even assisted Barça’s last goal which was scored by Suárez. Overall, his performance was among his best this season.

Messi showed his tremendous skill with a lovely volleyed finish in his first goal off a cross from Ivan Rakitić. His second goal was a display of his intelligence, as he curled it into the top right corner with his weak foot. And his hat-trick goal showed his poacher’s instinct.

After a shot from Carles Aleñá had been deflected, the Argentine football artist showed outstanding presence of mind to chip the ball over the onrushing Tomáš Vaclík. His assist in stoppage time was an exhibition of masterful vision on the ball.

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The Sevilla defence afforded Messi time and space in a dangerous spot, and he was quick to lob it over the top for Suárez to chase down. The out-of-form ‘El Pistolero’ showed his finishing skills with an emulation of his best friend’s final goal of the game.

Overall, it was a masterful performance and an assertive reply to all those who had been questioning his talent with age. Much like his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi seems to be ageing like wine. But most importantly, Messi’s return to form is ideally timed.

The next game for Barça is the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid. The home leg ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Los Merengues coming away with an away goal. Ernesto Valverde’s men will need to win at the Santiago Bernabéu in order to progress.

Leo Messi’s performance in that game will determine Barça’s treble hopes. The Argentina international has built some excellent momentum for that game. He needs to sustain his newly rediscovered form even in the next game, which will also be away to Real Madrid.

Barça have put Atlético and Real Madrid under pressure by taking a significant lead at the top of the league table, and the second La Liga Clásico of the season will be the team’s penultimate difficult fixture in the league season.

If Barça can secure a victory, Ernesto Valverde can consider one foot over the finishing line when it comes to the league title. Within two weeks of the league clash with Real Madrid is the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Lyon at the Camp Nou.

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Messi will be important in that match too. So, his return to form has come at the right time for Barça.