Messi magic rocks brave Spurs

MASTERCLASS Argentine star scores a brace as Barca end threematch winless streak in England LONDON:

Mauricio Pochettino admitted Tottenham had only themselves to blame for Lionel Messi’s mesmerising masterclass in Barcelona’s 4-2 Champions League win at Wembley.

Pochettino’s side found it impossible to subdue Messi as Barcelona ended their threematch winless streak in emphatic style. The Spanish champions punished a howler from Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to take a second minute lead through Philippe Coutinho. Ivan Rakitic volleyed a stunning second goal for Barcelona before Harry Kane reduced the deficit after the break.

That set the stage for Messi to seize the spotlight once again as he netted twice either side of Erik Lamela’s deflected effort for Tottenham.

Messi’s brace was just reward for an irresistible display from the Argentina legend.

Messi already has five goals in the Champions League this season after hitting a hat-trick against PSV Eindhoven in Barcelona’s group opener.

But Tottenham boss Pochettino claimed his side had made it easy on Messi with the errorprone start that forced them to throw players forward, leaving spaces at the back that the deadly Messi was able to exploit.

ERROR-PRONE SPURS “Messi doesn’t surprise me. We conceded the first goal and it is very difficult because that sets the game. We paid for that,” Pochettino said.

“We had to give spaces when we were looking for a result. What happens is players like him can finish you off.

“After 45 minutes we didn’t concede one chance to Messi. Of course in the second half when it’s 2-0 and you give more space, it’s so difficult to stop this type of player.

“He is the best in the world. With a lot of space it is unbelievable how he runs and dribbles.

“In the second half he was decisive. He’s got that capacity and hunger for scoring.”

Pochettino was frustrated that Tottenham gifted the initiative to Barca so easily, but he took heart from the way they pushed their

BRAVE, BUT NOT ENOUGH

Spurs’ fighting spirit did help them score two goals but their attackers weren’t half as clinical as Barcelona’s.

Sergio Busquets and Arthur Melo put up fine displays in the middle of the park, controlling the tempo when Messi pushed forward.

Their dominance also provided a much-needed cover to the Catalan club’s fragile defence that still looks shaky.

goals Messi has now scored against English opponents in Champions League — more than any sides of any other nation.

star-studded opponents harder in the second half.

“Against a team that needed to win, to concede after two minutes, it destroyed the plan,” Pochettino said.

“After making those mistakes,

times Messi had touched the ball against Tottenham, which was more than any Tottenham player.

MESMERISING MESSI

The combination of Jordi Alba and Messi worked well with the former providing a number of low crosses from the left for Messi, who often created space for himself. While the Argentine neatly finished two such crosses to either side of Hugo Lloris for Barcelona’s third and fourth goals, he could have stretched the margin had two of his shots not hit the woodwork.

ATTACKING FLAIR

While Messi undoubtedly stole the show as Spurs defenders played catching up, the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez were equally threatening upfront. Suarez, who hasn’t scored an away goal in the Champions League since September 2015, played the dummy on both occasions as he deceived defenders with his quick movements while Messi found the back of the net.

MAN ON A MISSION

While Messi had declared at the start of theseasonthatBarcelona, who’ve seen their bitter rivals Real Madrid clinch the Champions League three consecutive times now, are gunning for the European crown. He seems to have taken it upon himself to deliver the silverware.

In the two group games, Messi has now scored five goals from seven attempts on target.

VALVERDE’S CONUNDRUM

With Ousmane Dembele dropped, left-back Alba was able to freely play his preferred attacking role for the Catalan club.

Dembele’s work rate has often been criticised and given Alba’s ability to combine with Coutinho higher up the pitch, coach Valverde will have something to think about.

per cent — was Sergio Busquets’ passing accuracy on Wednesdaywithallhis67passes completed — his best tally in a Champions League match.

the first half was difficult for the team to be confident and play the way we planned.

“It’s hard to assess the game. When you play a team like Barcelona you cannot afford to concede these type of chances.

assists Jordi Alba provided against Tottenham that made him the second defender to have assisted three goals in a same Champions League game since 2003/04 (Lahm vs Lille in November 2012).

“But for me, most important was the second half. We did everything to come back. We showed character and I’m so proud of the players.”

After Messi’s magical display a relieved Barcelona boss Ernesto

Valverde admitted he was pleased with his side’s stylish response to their recent woes.

“It’s true that after a few bad results it was very important to do well today and we responded very well,” he said.