I’D TAKE HIM OVER RONALDO

MESSI OR RONALDO?

AS much as Cristiano Ronaldo is an incredible player, Messi is better. When he runs with the ball he is virtually on top of it. You barely even see it when he dribbles. He flashes past players and then has the composure to finish it off. That comes from talent, instinct and pure repetition. He has been in front of goal so many times he knows exactly what to do. For defenders, you might know what you want to do but you just can’t stop him. He embarrasses players.

BREAKING BAYERN

WE shouldn’t forget that what Messi did on Wednesday was against the very best in the world — Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer are World Cup winners. The things Messi does are just ridiculous. Boateng went down like a tree being felled. He got his body shape completely wrong, was square to the target and couldn’t move quickly enough. That’s why he fell over. It’s almost as if Messi hypnotises defenders before he gets there. They just fall in fear. His first goal cut to the bone and broke Bayern. Then, as soon as he got the taste of blood, he went for the kill.

FLYING ACES

IT’S not just about Messi, though. It has been a team effort this season and with Neymar and Luis Suarez, Barca’s front three have been like the Red Arrows. They are lightning-fast with incredible ability and can tear defences apart. Before Messi’s goals, Neymar had been the star man. He was causing just as much difficulty for Bayern cutting in from the left and some of his runs had me out of my seat. He is really emerging as a player but, in the end, it felt as if the whole world was on its feet for Messi.