Lionel Messi Warning Sent out to Barcelona Star's Critics After Milan Clash

The supposedly out-of-form Lionel Messi hushed his critics with a two-goal performance during Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over AC Milan.

La Blaugrana’s world star, who hadn’t netted in three games prior to the Champions League clash, provided a sound reminder to those who doubted his ability in recent weeks, as noted by Barca coach Gerardo Martino and reported via Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail:

"Messi had a spark about him tonight," Martino said. "He is dangerous when people are saying he is not playing so well."

Messi took a leading role as Barcelona confirmed their passage into the knockout stages with a comfortable win over Massimiliano Allegri’s struggling Serie A side.

The Argentinian didn’t have to wait particularly long for his opening goal. Messi converted a penalty within half an hour after Neymar was felled in the area by Ignazio Abate, who struggled to halt the Camp Nou’s explosive array of talents.

Goals from Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique—who found his own net—made the score 2-1, with the home side maintaining a sense of authority throughout.

Despite missing a decent chance and accidentally deflecting Alexis Sanchez’s shot into Christian Abbiati’s net for an offside call, Messi calmly wrapped up the win with a slick passing move as the match came to a close.

As reported by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner recently blamed a lack of fitness for his run of games without a goal. Heading into Barcelona’s tricky La Liga tie with Real Betis, Messi will feel extremely relieved to have a brace and 90 minutes under his belt.

The iconic player is now just six goals behind Raul’s record haul of 71 in the Champions League, per Jenson’s report, a record Messi will easily extend considering he is only 26 years of age.

He has six goals in three European matches this season, and 14 strikes in 13 games across all competitions, per WhoScored.  

Messi's return to goalscoring form takes pressure off the player and his manager, who defended the No. 10 from unfair criticism in recent weeks.  

Barcelona can push on now their star man is firing again, a frightening thought for those who face the Catalonian giants in the coming weeks.

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