“Jordi Alba’s cut-back at Wembley sets up Messi to restore Barcelona’s two-goal cushion against Tottenham in a Champions League group-stage showcase, adding another strike to his growing tally with career goal number 626 and his 104th in the competition.”
Under the Wembley lights in a Champions League group clash against Premier League opposition, Messi turned a tricky away tie into a personal showcase. Twice he finished off sweeping Barca moves with that trademark left-foot precision, and twice more he clipped the post, leaving the Spurs crowd applauding despite the defeat. It’s a vivid snapshot of Messi dictating a high-tempo European night almost at will.