When Messi demolished Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League

In the 2018-2019 Champions League semi-final first leg, Lionel Messi delivered one of his most iconic performances as he single-handedly dragged an inferior Barcelona side to a 3-0 victory over a dominant Liverpool. Despite Liverpool's slight superiority on the pitch, Messi's brilliance was undeniable throughout the match. He was everywhere—creating chances, weaving through defenders, and constantly threatening the Liverpool defense. His performance reached its pinnacle with a moment of pure magic: a stunning 35-yard free-kick that curled into the top corner, leaving Alisson Becker helpless and sealing Barcelona’s victory in dramatic fashion.

That free-kick, which marked Messi's 600th career goal, instantly became one of the most memorable moments in Champions League history and solidified Barcelona as favorites to win the tie. Messi’s display of genius eradicated any lingering doubts among players, managers, and pundits about his status as the world’s best player. Even though Barcelona ultimately failed to win the Champions League, Messi’s exceptional season—capped by this unforgettable performance—made him the undisputed favorite for the Ballon d'Or.

Footballing icons such as Arsène Wenger, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Lineker, and José Mourinho were left speechless by Messi's display of brilliance that night. Their reactions, alongside commentary from other top names in the sport, highlighted the global impact of Messi’s performance. Stunned by his sheer dominance, they offered glowing praise for a player who, in that moment, reminded the world why he is regarded as one of the greatest to ever grace the game.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:21 - 0-0
4:26 - Messi 1st goal
5:34 - Messi 2nd goal
6:33 - Pundits' praise Messi's performance
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#messi #messivsliverpool #messi2019
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[window]

When jergen smiled after that free kick goal, even he was like wow i cant believe i get to witness this guy

[Xavierismyname]

"What a strike" says it all, Messi can't be stopped.

[PaddyMcMe]

2:35 I'm a Liverpool supporter. I've NEVER seen VVD signal for backup in a game. Jesus Christ. Messi really is the greatest.

[zeeo]

Messi is an alien what he produced against liverpool in the first leg was a masterclass. Chance creation, acceleration, fun to watch, goals golore, big moments, running games from midfield, longevity. All types of goals and assists and out of this world playmaking. How can somebody be so good stats and words don’t show everything the greatest 🐐

[onyemaww]

The fact that Liverpool emerged from this sort of performance, and then went on to win the champions league, is an extraordinary feat.

[rgasta]

Never seen someone playing so good in 50 years watching football, not even Maradona

[syukrihantu]

That 18/19 season was undoubtedly the best single player season I've ever seen in my life.

[MadLFC]

No one disputes Messi's performance on that night but he said it himself he was battered and exhausted at the end of it and worried about the return game. He was so right.

[Averifiedperson]

Messi’s performance was brilliant that day, as a Liverpool fan. Liverpool’s comeback was also incredible, who even predicted it?

[gginfuser]

You can see Messi's face he is not relieved. he said he was exausted and was worried about next game. He really needed his team but....🥲🥲

[كرارعبدالرضاشحاتهباني]

Everytime VVD goes 1V1 against Messi he calls for support 😅. That's actually smart as he knows what Messi is capable of doing in 1V1 situations . He has so much respect for Messi and he expresses it at different occasions. Great defender nonetheless

[justineyonkeu]

Klopp is truly a great manager. Rivals or not, he appreciates good football

[StewieArt]

Look at these defenders for Liverpool, compared to when they played against teams in the premier league every weekend.. you can literally see how scared they were, as opposed to when they’re bossing other attackers

[Anonymous-frop]

As a madrid fan, once we got knocked out for our team's arrogance in the RO16, i rooted for messi to win it, he is one of my all time favorites and seeing him win one more UCL would have been something i'd have liked, for sure. But obv, his teammates had to ruin what he had set up for them in the 1st leg.

[sahilqureshi]

Jurgen Klopp was smiling & enjoying football. He wasn't even worried they may loose

[calltony]

If it wasn’t for Messi after 2017 we would have ended like Manchester United. Truly carried Barcelona!!

[ChompingCabbage]

Imagine being so good that you can carry a team game on your shoulders that drop faster than blinks.

[justineyonkeu]

Even klopp was marveled at his genius😅

[Rich-Daka]

Even Klopp said am here to watch Messi f the champions league 😂😂😂

[pianogus]

Henry provides probably the best description I've ever heard of how a footballer's play develops. It's genius, just like Messi.