It is impossible to know whether this Messi has already recorded one of those defining moments. It is one of the hallmarks of Messi’s greatness that so much of it is so serene, so peaceful. The other is that he does not abuse his ability: He rarely indulges himself with impossible shots from distance, seeking headlines and limelight and acclaim. (His second goal does not warrant such examination — a soft shot that De Gea, uncharacteristically, fumbled: Even the greats are allowed to get lucky.) Maybe that goal will prove to be the high-water mark of this version of Messi; maybe it is still to come.

Source: New York Times April 16, 2019 23:48 UTC