FC Barcelona is breaking records again

On the other hand, If everyone was at the level of Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona would win every title before each season started.

Being eight points ahead of the second-placed team, and 12 ahead of Real Madrid, would seem not to be enough for a FC Barcelona side for whom not even the sky appears to be the limit.

Luis Enrique's boys are beating records at the same rate at which they are winning matches. Not a day goes by without another milestone being passed. Having gone half the season without tasting defeat, Barcelona have now equalled the Spanish record of 34 games without losing in all competitions, notched up by Real Madrid under Leo Beenhakker.

In the 1988-89 season, Real Madrid had a run of 25 wins and nine draws, and now Barcelona have improved on those figures with a sequence of 28 victories and six draws.

On the other hand, If everyone was at the level of Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona would win every title before each season started. But no. There is only one Messi. Leo is unique and irreplaceable. He’s the best player in the world. And probably in history. And there is absolutely no-one at his level. Even the best of the ‘mortals’ are light years behind Messi, who in each game surprises us with works of art. 

On Sunday, Messi ‘invented’ a magical free kick. When FC Barcelona were losing, Leo stepped up, once more, and took responsibility, executing an inimitable set piece. It was the start of the comeback. The first step towards a victory which leaves FC Barcelona 12 points clear of Real Madrid and keeps them eight ahead of Atletico Madrid with just 12 games to go. 

Lionel Messi is capable of everything. Even of fixing his team-mates’ mess. But in contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo, he doesn’t brag about it. He doesn’t criticise other players’ errors. Even though he could. But Messi is not like that. Because for Leo Messi, the objective is for the team to do well above individuals. And Messi knows that if FC Barcelona win, Lionel Messi wins. For that reason, he serves up all his magic for the good of the team.