Lionel Messi was on hand to break another record in the 20/21 Champions League opener against Ferencváros. FC Barcelona thrashed the Hungarian side 5-1 at the Camp Nou, and Messi (as ever) was at the heart of the drubbing.
The game was the first game the Hungarian club played in the UEFA Champions League in the past twenty-five years, and whilst they will be happy to be there, being embarassed by the Argentine genius was not really in their plans.
The multiple Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring from the penalty spot in 27th minute after a foul was made on him by Adnan Konacevic in what was initially a nervy opening. The Argentine captain converted the penalty himself, making him only the second player to have scored in 16 consecutive champions league seasons – something you could have got great odds on at thebestcasinos.co.uk, if you’d had the foresight to bet at the start of the incredible 16 game streak!
Messi continued to be a thorn in the side of the opposition all through a dominant display by the illustrious Catalans, in a brilliant performance that also saw goals from the rising Star Ansu Fati. Fati turned provider for Countinho before fellow youngster Pedri added a fourth. Dembele then had the last say after a consolation had be scored by Nguen in the 70th minute. It is noteworthy that it wasn’t only Messi that broke a record last night as Ansu Fati also became the first player in the history of the Champions League to net two goals before turning 18.
The win was not all plain sailing however, with the sending of the Barcelona captain Gerard Pique – sent to the stands after a clumsy challenge on Nguen in the penalty area. He’ll miss the next two matches in Europe, though might be thankful for the rest!
In the Post-Match conference, the Catalan Coach Ronald Koeman hailed his playmaker’s influence saying in his words “If he plays like he did tonight, I will have no complain over Leo”. The Barcelona captain might be gradually coming to the end of his career; however, he seems not to be slowing down on his records exploits. How many more he will break before he retires, only time will tell.