UCL 2018/2019: Five things Barcelona must do to win the Champions League

#1 Unleash Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi

Legend, GOAT, icon, maestro, greatest, Messiah. These are only a few of the adjectives used to describe Lionel Messi, and every one of them is totally justified, as he has raised the bar of performance in a level not seen before and probably no to be seen again.

With 5 Ballon d'Ors won, he is the joint record winner alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and his 100 goals scored in the Champions League is the second highest in history behind only CR7.

Lionel Messi was absolutely unplayable between 2009 and 2012, tearing defenses at will and setting numerous goalscoring records including the unbelievable total of 91 in the 2012 calendar year. However, in recent seasons, like his club Barcelona he has struggled, and has seen Ronaldo overtake him for the individual prizes.

He was omitted from the top three of a FIFA award for the first time since 2007 and has not won the Ballon d'Or since 2015. He also had a disappointing Wolrd Cup campaign with Argentina, where La Albiceleste were eliminated in the second round, with Messi being roundly criticized for failing to inspire his nation to victory.

Messi right now is a wounded Lion seeking to regain his pride, and Barcelona would do well to give him the freedom to unleash his full fury because when Messi is at his best, we all know what can happen.