“With Barcelona already ahead, Messi’s second against Spartak Moscow effectively kills the contest in this Champions League group tie, pushing his tally to an astounding 55 goals in the competition and 307 in his career.”
Messi’s precise brace in Moscow, scoring with both of his shots on target and running the game as Barça’s creator, seals top spot in the Champions League group while underlining his ruthless efficiency during a red‑hot scoring streak.
Against Real Madrid in a Champions League semi-final Clásico, Messi latches onto Sergio Busquets’ pass to double Barça’s late lead to 2–0, effectively sealing the tie and adding Champions League goal number 36 to his burgeoning career tally.
Against Bayern Munich in a Champions League semi-final, Messi latches onto Ivan Rakitić’s pass to double Barcelona’s lead on the night, capping a masterclass performance en route to his 77th goal in the competition and 452nd of his career.
With Barcelona pegged back at 1–1 in a Champions League quarter-final, Messi latches onto Pedro’s assist to restore the lead against Arsenal, the second act of a four-goal masterclass that drives him toward career goal 130.
Against a Chelsea side that had frustrated him for years, Messi pounces on Luis Suárez’s early assist to break the deadlock in the third minute and set Barcelona on their way, moving to the brink of his 100th Champions League goal.