Barcelona vs Levante: 5 Talking Points

#1 Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are connecting on a telepathic level... as is Paulinho

Messi and Alba are reconnecting on a telepathic level this season

Lionel Messi.

La Liga Matches played: 400

La Liga goals scored: 364

I'll just leave that there. Look at it. Understand it. Digest it.... no, try to. And he's just getting better and better and better...

Lionel Messi has now been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 17 games in La Liga:16 goals ?7 assists ??Frightening form. pic.twitter.com/H9xKdZRkx7

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 7, 2018

His goal on the night - the opener - showcased just how much he connects with Jordi Alba... the Argentine and the Spaniard playing a one-two of the highest order, Alba's cushioned header back as good as Messi's finish. Alba's prospering this season, Neymar's disappearance this season opening up that left flank of his again and his renewed connection with Messi is testament to that

Meanwhile, he also made sure Paulinho's red-hot form continues.... with 7, no midfielder in La Liga has scored more than the Brazilian... and it's uncanny just how well Messi is beginning to pick out Paulinho's superb runs into the box.