All hail Luis Suarez. It was billed as Leo Messi being sound on Valentine's Day and gifting his strike partner his hat-trick but, in reality, that's not what was supposed to happen. Instead, Messi was trying to spread the love a bit wider to the third prong of the most feared attacking trident in world football.
According to Neymar, the move had been practised in training but it was the Brazilian who was supposed to be on the end of things, not Suarez. Instead, the former Liverpool striker did what he does best and took the glory to put himself two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Pichichi.
It was for me, we had practiced it in training. Leo and myself had practiced but Luis was closer and he scored it. Our friendship is the most important thing. It doesn't matter who scores the goals just that we win the games.
Now, watch it again and keep an eye on Neymar.
We'd swear he's almost about to throw his hands up in the air only to realise that there's nothing to do other than applaud Suarez for the audacity of sneaking in and taking the hat-trick goal. Some may disagree but we're going to suggest that it makes it even more enjoyable.
While Messi was proving why his new found selflessness ensures he's the best player in the world, Suarez was proving why his narrow minded selfishness goes a long way to ensuring he just keeps getting better and better. Completely opposing narratives of course but it was just so good that to sully it with needless criticism would be entirely unfair, so there we are, plaudits for everyone.
And while we're on that note, it's worth addressing those calls of disrespect from far and wide including Kilkenny great and all round sporting hero, Richie Power.
Sorry Richie, we'll respect your opinion on whatever you may like to have a say on but, in this instance, we're having none of it, particularly when you take the word of Celta Vigo's coach, Eduardo Berizzo, who cleared that up with little fuss.
The penalty was taken in a different way, nothing more. It was legal, and I'm more hurt by conceding goals than the manner in which they are converted.
Barcelona's players are voracious in attack.
So there you have it. It wasn't disrespectful, it was proof of Messi's greatness and it was proof of Suarez' greatness. But before we leave it at that, we'll give the final word to Luis Enrique who was having none of the hyperbole about Barca's second half performance in the 6-1 victory.
I'm sorry, but I don't think anything special happened tonight. I'm used to seeing these players train and they look even better on the training ground.
Good to know.
