Barcelona qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Saturday after a 3-1 win over Napoli that saw them through 4-2 on aggregate, but it was Lionel Messi’s brilliant solo goal that was the highlight of the night as the Argentian bamboozled the Napoli defence to fire a stunning strike in the first half.
Picking up the ball on the right side, Messi found his way past a bunch of Napoli defenders thanks to a combination of great close control and sheer grit to have the ball at his feet.
Messi didn’t exactly glide past the defence as he lost control of the ball at times, but still; managed to win it back despite heavy pressure from the opposing defenders. The finish truly capped it off as the Argentine who lost his balance still managed to curl an effort past the Napoli goalkeeper who couldn’t keep it out despite getting a fingertip on it.
The amount of power the Argentine generated despite being on his way down made the goal truly remarkable. It was also crucial in how the tie panned out as it settled Barcelona’s nerves in what was a nervy affair before that point.
The Catalans will face Bayern Munich in the last eight in Lisbon thanks to first-half goals from Clement Lenglet, Messi and Luis Suarez.
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Lorenzo Insigne pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time but the Italians could not launch a comeback.
Here’s a look at the Messi goal
Messi what a goal 🐐 pic.twitter.com/4yb4PjY4Gp
— Kevin (@BrazilianTrent) August 8, 2020
Twitter were truly mesmerised by the strike, not the first time Messi has done that to football fans.
11 - All 11 @FCBarcelona players touched the ball in the build-up to their second goal against Napoli (Messi, 23'). Team.#UCL #BarçaNapoli pic.twitter.com/1kMKlIuuEJ
— OptaJorge (@OptaJorge) August 8, 2020
Messi with an absolute sensational goal.. He's not human. #BarcaNapoli #BarNap pic.twitter.com/6nMJZ59Jnv
— Saquon. (@IAmSaquon) August 8, 2020
Is it possible that we've just seen the most 'How the fuck has he done that?! Crazy goal from #Messi
— AJ (@10032000AJ) August 8, 2020
Oh #Messi you G.O.A.T. 🙏🙏
Literal Mindfuck 🤯
#BarcaNapoli pic.twitter.com/mAFb0lk6l0
Fabulous goal from Messi albeit aided by some friendly defending.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 8, 2020
🔵🔴 Messi has 27 goals in 30 UCL round of 16 games. No player has scored more in history.@FCBarcelona | #UCL pic.twitter.com/tHdfeSMTOS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 8, 2020