Lionel Messi pulled off an exquisite volley to give Barcelona a narrow win over Malaga as Luis Enrique highlighted the importance of winning games despite playing badly.
Despite taking the lead in the first minute of the game, Barcelona found themselves on the backfoot as Malaga dominated the proceedings. However, a brilliant moment of magic from the little Argentine gave the Catalans an advantage that allowed them to return home with three crucial points in the bag.
With Barcelona due to face Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga fixture next week, fans heaved a sigh of relief as Lionel Messi saved his team the blushes. The five time Ballon d’Or winner then went on to give his shirt to a pitch invader as Twitter reacted to his exploits both on and off the pitch.
And ofcourse Leo Messi decides the game for @FCBarcelona what else is New
— Patrick Kluivert (@PatrickKluivert) January 23, 2016
He did it!! He saved us again!!???? VAMOS Leo Messi! pic.twitter.com/bIwzMAbD3s — infosmessi (@infosmessi) January 23, 2016
Thank god for Messi pic.twitter.com/nE3tuHKbu9
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) January 23, 2016
If I had a dollar for every time Messi saved Barcelona I would be a billionaire. pic.twitter.com/mr1FN6VrsK — Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) January 23, 2016
Messi as a starter for Barcelona: – 440 appearances – 400 goals – 160 assists #MalagaFCBpic.twitter.com/FxjuXOffKV
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) January 23, 2016
As far as Lionel Messi is concerned, there is nothing that the Barcelona No 10 can’t do.
Leo Messi could become the greatest DM of all time if he wanted to. It’s a fact.
— Rashad Jr. (@Raashaad) January 23, 2016
Manchester United fans however believe that Messi’s talent will prove futile in the light of Louis van Gaal’s philosophy.
Even Messi will flop under LVG.
— ReplyiCantViwQuotes (@Yemmy_KON3) January 23, 2016
Messi also gave his shirt to a pitch-invader, drawing plaudits for his actions.
Gif: Pitch invader getting Messi’s shirt after the game #fcblive [via @Emenderkfcb] pic.twitter.com/LogaLoLkFC
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) January 23, 2016
Some were more sympathetic towards Malaga.
Messi 2-1… Malaga don’t deserve this.
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) January 23, 2016
Others however, weren’t too impressed.
Messi is a joke? pic.twitter.com/XVjsoLvbOW
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TeamRonaldo) January 23, 2016
