Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan: 5 Hits and Flops from the game | Champions League 2019-20

#1 Hit: Lionel Messi

Messi again proved why he's such a pivotal figure in deciding games for Barca

He's back! Lionel Messi again displayed precisely why he's such a decisive figure in tricky matches for Barcelona, who constantly played their attacks through their talisman on this occasion.

Still not 100% fit after a pre-season of recuperation following a recurring calf problem, he hobbled off at half-time during their 2-1 win over Villarreal nine days ago but upon returning here, did his utmost to inspire Barca players forward.

Sometimes he was guilty of doing too much, understandable given his enthusiasm to orchestrate attacks from deep and dribble beyond a cluster of Inter players whenever possible. The visitors defended patiently and were methodical about their approach to shutting him out - like Borussia Dortmund on MD1 - but were up against an inspired Messi display that refused to be perturbed by their underhand tactics to disrupt his flow.

Having forced Handanovic into several comfortable saves across the 90 minutes, Lionel turned creator to devastating effect. With a game-high ten successful dribbles, six key passes (85.9% pass success) and 13 of 17 duels won, the 32-year-old was a nuisance that just wouldn't relent.

The pressure finally told in the latter stages, with Messi heavily involved in both Suarez strikes. For his first, Lionel effortlessly jinked his way into the box and under pressure from Kwadwo Asamoah, released a reverse pass into Arturo Vidal. Moments later, they were celebrating a brilliant equaliser and Barca had forward momentum to capitalise upon.

To set him up for the winner though, that was even better. He received a Vidal pass down the right, danced his way beyond four Inter challenges before releasing an unmarked Suarez to his left. Although the Uruguayan's touch was immaculate and helped along the way, this was another moment of individual genius by the world's best.

Despite not featuring much this term, his influence on this Barca side was emphasised in this showing, one you'd have to appreciate with your eyes more than words can truly describe. It's a pleasure to watch Messi-Suarez combining against opponents and although Inter are right to be frustrated by this result, it felt inevitable having squandered earlier chances to put the game beyond reach.