Football | A Messi masterclass in London
Lionel Messi vs. Tottenham. [@ol_nolib] Forget the popularity contests, forget the shiny individual trophies, forget the artificial attempts to contrive an equilibrium that doesn't exist.Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini will remain the greatest of all time. pic.twitter.com/IFPDOpufza — Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) October 3, 2018 The 31-year-old has now scored 22 goals in 29 matches against Premier League opposition in Europe, and the Argentinian continues to set - and meet - impossible standards. Sometimes, it almost feels that the Barcelona captain's extraordinary exploits are taken for granted. We have seen him deliver so many magical moments so often that we have to come to expect it of him every time he graces a pitch. He was not shortlisted for the The Best FIFA Men's Player, despite finishing as the top scorer in Europe last season, something which Rakitic alluded to in last night's post-match interview. "With all respect to the guys that are winning awards, there’s a guy that’s better than the rest," the midfielder stated. "And it’s Leo Messi. With all the respect to Luka [Modric], there’s a guy that is different, and it’s Leo." Messi scored 34 league goals - 45 overall - and played a starring role as Barca won the domestic double in Spain. Argentina's all-time top scorer admittedly didn't enjoy the best World Cup in Russia, but still managed to score a memorable goal, and has started the club season in unstoppable form. He has scored 10 goals in as many appearances so far, with five of those coming in just seven La Liga appearances. Barcelona will be eager to make a mark in Europe this season after last year's humiliating collapse in Italy against Roma, and Ernesto Valverde's team have made a perfect start. The Spanish giants thumped PSV 4-0 at Camp Nou in their opening group game, and the 4-2 win in Wembley puts them top of the group ahead of Inter on goal difference. Messi's brace against Spurs means that he has now scored five Champions League goals this season in just two group matches, and takes his overall record to 65 goals in 65 games. Based on current form, that record is sure to be extended over the next four group matches. Enjoy him while you can.