The genius of Lionel Messi propelled Barcelona to a 5-0 victory over Levante on Sunday evening in Valencia — the Argentine was involved in all five goals with a hat-trick and two assists. Luis Suarez also had a goal and was heavily involved in setting up two of Messi’s. The 31-year-olds are alright.
The first goal arrived in the 35th minute after Messi danced across the top of the box. With defenders circling and closing around him, Messi pulled off an impossible reverse ball which Suarez converted with sublime control.
This angle though How did he even find a way to pass the ball in between those two or three defenders?! pic.twitter.com/qRIFNhUgcd
— Messi_4_eternity (@IServeMessi) December 16, 2018
Two minutes before halftime, Sergio Busquets released Messi through the right channel and he proceeded to nutmeg the keeper with a right-footed finish (have some, Pele).
HE IS JUST 20 FOR ME pic.twitter.com/CVV8V6h6M6
— Messi with free-kick (@Nithish__10) December 16, 2018
The third came after Suarez released Jordi Alba on the left, and you know what happens between the Spanish fullback and Messi after that. Messi’s finish — this time with the left — was unstoppable.
Classic Alba -> Messi and swept to far corner pic.twitter.com/uihgohMS8F
— LioMessiStuff Media (@LMStuffMedia) December 16, 2018
Messi’s hat-trick was complete when Arturo Vidal squared for the easy finish, but the goal was all about the buildup from Suarez. The Uruguayan destroyed his marker with a meg and then found Vidal with the outside of his boot. Spectacular stuff.
& the 3rd goal of messi
Messi's 49th hattrick #LevanteBarça #Messi #Hattrick pic.twitter.com/Ks5xrCgSSE— Sayani Bhowmick (@kakon_sayani) December 16, 2018
HATTRICK HEROOOOOO pic.twitter.com/d5gYKXS4k8
— LioMessiStuff Media (@LMStuffMedia) December 16, 2018
The fifth and final goal arrived in the 88th minute, and it was started and finished by Gerard Pique. The center back built the attack out of his own area, went rampaging into Levante's half, found a streaking Philippe Coutinho who found Messi, and the Argentine then picked out Pique for the finish. It's not fair.
What a build up and well calculated goal by Pique tho
3 Goals 2 Assists. Just Messi thingspic.twitter.com/tmyoFVv8gk— Don Andres (@Elillusionista_) December 16, 2018
Pique finally scores after his 1000th run forward pic.twitter.com/HeImWb2Uqh
— pranav (@False9Leo) December 16, 2018
The victory restored Barcelona’s three point advantage at the top of LaLiga after Sevilla and Atletico both won this weekend. Real Madrid is five points back in fourth.
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