Did you ever doubt him? Lionel Messi's fifth place finish in the Ballon d'Or voting last year was one of the most confusing events in recent memory. Despite leading Barcelona to La Liga and Copa Del Rey titles last season, and registering more combined goals and assists than any other player on the planet, voters were clearly unimpressed.
Ever since then, the Argentine has been on an absolute tear. He entered today's game against Girona (which incidentally was the match that was supposed to take place in Miami) having scored in seven consecutive La Liga games. Still playing like someone with a point to prove, there was little doubt that Messi was going to continue his scoring run. He did just that, and in some style too.
Having cleverly drifted into an offside position early in the move in order to exploit the vast open space behind the Girona defence, he found himself completely unmarked when Jordi Alba picked up the ball on the left flank. He would then cleverly dink the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper.
Coolness personified.
At 31-years of age, Messi certainly shows no signs of slowing down. He still possesses that wonderful pace that makes him so difficult to stop.
Having largely operated on the right flank since Luis Suarez arrived at the club in 2014, Messi has morphed into a more traditional number 10 in the past year or so. It is a role that makes the most of his immaculate passing ability, perhaps the most underrated aspect of his game.
With the Ballon d'Or snub fresh in his mind, Champions League glory must surely be on the agenda for the Argentine international and his club. With Real Madrid having won the last three titles, another failure in that competition would not likely be looked on too kindly by the Camp Nou faithful.
