Messi is love, Messi is life. (Getty)
For AS Roma, it was worse than they could possibly have imagined.
There was no rust for Lionel Messi.
There was no difficulty re-synchronizing with Neymar and Luis Suarez.
There was only dominance.
And Messi.
The rest of the globe has been put on alert, as Barcelona embarrassed Roma 6-1 at Camp Nou.
Roma isn’t a slouch club. They’re just three points behind the top spot of Serie A. Yet they looked completely helpless against Barca, as the Catalans passed and moved at will.
Barcelona controlled possession from the opening minute. And within five, Messi made his presence felt. Within ten, he had nearly scored twice. After 20 minutes, Messi had scored and Barcelona led 2-0.
It was over. That’s it. One of Italy’s top clubs, buried after 20 minutes.
Barcelona didn’t even need to win the game. Earlier in the day, a draw from Bayern Leverkusen clinched the club’s path to the UCL Knockout phase.
Messi and Suarez each scored twice, with both of Suarez’s goals coming before halftime. Messi dropped a tap-in pass for Gerard Pique’s goal, and Adriano cashed in on a rebound to finish the scoring.
Scroll for full highlight’s of Tuesday’s performance:
HIGHLIGHTS
80′:
80′ #Messi is all alone! He chips it! But it catches Szczesny on the face and trickles wide! #FCB 6–0 ROM #FCBLive #FCBvRoma #MesQueUnClub
76′:
And that’s why this trio is amazing. Both Messi and Suarez on a hat-trick but nah, let’s let Neymar take the penalty.
65′:
Only Messi can save you.
59′:
56′:
Goal, Barcelona! Lionel Messi squares it to Gerard Pique and he taps home!
Barca 4-0 Roma #UCL
49′:
49′ #Messi gets in close! He shoots! But it’s right at Szczesny! #FCB 3–0 ROM #FCBLive #FCBvRoma #MesQueUnClub
36′:
24′:
18′:
GOOOOOOOOLAZO DE MESSI
Messi has ended his barren spell. His first goal for months.
9′:
Messi needs to be recalibrated just a bit, but still. Two great chances and a disallowed goal in under 10 minutes.
Unreal pass from Sergio Busquets to Messi
4′:
Pre-game:
He’s back. The best ever. #messi @ChampionsLeague
