Two goals (both free kicks), one assist, the post... Lionel Messi saw off Espanyol in the Catalan derby with his only good foot and one trick. Eternal.
On Sunday, River Playe and Boca Juniors will meet at the Santiago Bernabeu in an historic game. In the stands, the presence of Lionel Messi, the fifth best player in the world according to the Ballon d'Or, is expected. Messi's a player that, according to Pele, only has one foot, one trick and can't use his head.
Messi has also been criticised in his own country, starting with Diego Maradona. Is it just a coincidence that Pele and Diego question Leo? It must be tough to feel that the crown and the throne have been taken off you.
PERFECT STORM
Barça's D10S will travel to Madrid ready to enjoy Argentina's biggest derby after triggering the perfect storm in Saturday's derby. Everyone expected an equal match between Barça and Espanyol... everyone underrated the Messi factor.
The genius from Rosario, undoubtedly stung by the lack of respect from idols that he has always respected, was at his best, much to the misfortune of an Espanyol side who felt the full force of his anger.
For those that doubt his quality, his talent, they should watch the slow-mo replay of Leo's assist for Dembele's goal, dribbling trhough five rival players.
RECORD MAN
Then come the records, the numbers. Messi is is the player to have scored the most goals against Espanyol in the history of La Liga (20), overtaking legends like Telmo Zarra and Isidro Lángara (both 18).
With his two goals, he caught up with Stuani at the top of the Pichichi with 11 league goals this season. He's also the league's best creator with eight assists.
He scored two free kicks for the first time in the same game in La Liga and the second time in his career -- he managed it against Sevilla in the European Super Cup in 2015, too.
And he matched Xavi Hernandez for league wins, 12 behind Iker Casillas, who has Raúl (327) and Andoni Zubizarreta (333) ahead of him. Without doubt, Leo's an absolute wonder. The fifth of the world...