Copa del Rey 2018-19: 4 reasons why Barcelona will lift the trophy

#1 The Lionel Messi factor

Messi is a game changer

Over the years that football has been in existence, millions of men have kicked the round leather ball either for fun or professionally. And of this huge number, only a handful have made such an impact as to be remembered throughout the annals of history.

From this crop of legendary players, even fewer can lay claim to being the best in history. You know you're something extraordinary when millions around the world are unified in their assessment that of all the icons to have played the beautiful game, you are the greatest of all time.

This is exactly the scenario Lionel Messi finds himself in and rightly so. Over the last 15 years, the Argentine maestro has performed at a level arguably never seen before, and has totally redefined what it means to be a professional footballer.

The 31-year-old is a bona fide game changer, and Barcelona have been extremely blessed to have had him within their ranks. Their record goalscorer has helped the club reach heights previously unimaginable, and fans of the club might not have the privilege of seeing another like him.

Goals, assists, dribbles, free-kicks, passes - Messi does it all. In his time at the club, he has helped Barcelona to a total of 34 major trophies; you would be hard pressed to find too many players who contributed more than he did to the success in each of those titles.

While he might still be reeling from the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League, Messi remains a prime performer who can decide the outcome of a match in an instant. It would be foolhardy betting against him making it 35 trophies for Barcelona and two as captain of the club.