Barcelona took a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute against Manchester City on this wonderful ball from Messi and equally fine finish from Ivan Rakitic. Messi charged up the pitch, drawing thee defenders (and two lurkers) and then whipped the ball across the field, where Rakitic controlled it with his chest and then chipped it over Joe Hart, who was lunging to smother the play. A friendly clip off the cross bar and the ball was in for the lead.

Not long after the goal, Messi struck again. This time with a nasty little nutmeg that sent James Milner to the ground and Pep Guardiola—scouting for Bayern Munich—cringing in delight.

[FS1]