Messi should be awarded the Ballon d’Or tomorrow

Barcelona are one step away from the Champions League final after beating Liverpool 3-0 in the first leg of the semi-final at the Camp Nou.

Messi appeared when the Camp Nou needed him most, forcing the ball over the line for his first and his side’s second before scoring a beautiful free-kick to make it 3-0.

The Barcelona captain worked tremendously hard, and even went out of his way to ensure that Philippe Coutinho was not whistled after being taken off by Ernesto Valverde.

Messi, as has often been the case down the years, was the most decisive player on the pitch.