Barca Brilliance

Messi Masterclass
Sky claimed that this was an occasion that in years to come people will ask 'where were you when Messi scored four?' That may have been an exaggeration considering his performance came against an Arsenal side ravaged by injuries, but it was stunning nonetheless. One always wants to see the best players come to the fore on the biggest stage and while Messi may have been quiet in the first leg, he ripped Arsenal apart at the Nou Camp. Granted he was assisted by the imperious Xavi (does he ever lose possession?), Messi was still the difference maker, taking his goals with the aplomb of someone far beyond his tender 22 years.

Here Messi led Arsenal in a merry dance and Barcelona into the semi finals. Last year he sealed victory in the final. He seems to have done it all, already. But soon thoughts will turn to the World Cup. Despite his status at Barcelona, the little magician is far from revered in his homeland as a result of some less than vintage displays for Argentina. There can be no doubt that his form at international level must be hampered by the farce that is Maradona's management tenure thus far. However, to truly rank amongst the best footballers ever, he has to match the feats of Pele and Maradona at a World Cup. This summer he has that chance, but bear in mind it will probably not be his last opportunity to light up the grandest stage of them all.

Pass and Move
It's what the great sport is based on, but far too often forgotten in modern times. Watch Xavi - he recieves the ball, plays it, and moves into another position to take the next pass. It sounds so easy but if it was then everyone could do it. He is seldom static in the middle of the pitch, always available to take the ball and has a unique ability in choosing the best option in terms of whether to make the simple pass or the incisive one. While Messi rightly takes so many of the plaudits, it is this man (and to a lesser extent the fabulous Iniesta) that makes the team tick. A joy to watch and proof positive that brains can overcome brawn in the engine room of any team.