#2 Messi's deep role
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I'll admit that ahead of the game I railed against Barcelona's use of Lionel Messi in a deep role. He looked half the player he is against Juventus, and conversely also thwarted Barcelona's effectiveness in attack.
Messi is Messi though, and the Argentine played the deeper role to perfection tonight. He drove at Real Madrid's backline throughout, with Casemiro and Marcelo both lucky to escape red cards as they dished out the rough stuff.
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Personifying William Ernest Henley's iconic poem, Invictus, the Argentine's first pivotal moment came when he equalised for Barcelona – a late run from deep was found by Rakitic and with a balletic swivel of his body, he sidestepped challenges from Modric and Carvajal, before calmly slotting past Navas.
He continued to be at the end of Madrid's worst tackles, which gave Ramos an early bath. Still, the Argentine persevered.
I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Messi then proved exactly why he is the greatest. He made another late run from his deep role, and as the ball arrived at his feet, La Liga was on the line. Not a moment's hesitation, as the little wizard swept the ball home to win it in injury time for Barcelona, and score his 500th goal for Barcelona.
No one could have scripted it any better.
