Lionel Messi Goal: Watch Superstar Lead Barcelona to Victory with Great Goal

Even after losing striker David Villa to a leg injury in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, Barcelona was able to cruise to victory in the final thanks in part to a magnificent goal by Lionel Messi to open the scoring in the 16th minute.

The video of another Messi masterpiece is embedded above.

As usual, it all starts with some terrific ball movement by Barca. After passing circles around the overmatched Santos back line, Messi ends up with the ball at his feet with only the keeper between himself and another goal for his résumé.

He waits for the opposing keeper, Rafael, to make the first move. Once he does, Messi makes a nifty little chip over his outreached arms. Bruno Rodrigo tries to make a desperation bicycle kick save, which would have been equally amazing, but comes up short as the ball finds the side netting.

Messi finished the tournament with two goals and one assist in two games while helping Barcelona add yet another trophy to its case. They are undoubtedly the world's best team and appear to be on track for a huge campaign.

The one chip that hasn't fallen into place for Barcelona so far is La Liga. They currently find themselves three points behind rival Real Madrid in the title chase and no season would be complete without finishing atop the table. So it's not like there isn't a lot of work left to do.

That said, it's hard to bet against Barcelona over the long haul. No team can match their depth, which is why Villa's injury hasn't sent the team into panic mode.

They know somebody will step up in his place and their high-powered offense won't miss a beat in the process. That's what sets them apart from the pack, which doesn't seem to have gained any ground since Barcelona ruled the football world last season.

A lot of that has to do with Messi, who continues to impress every time he takes the field. Just ask Santos, his latest victim. There will be many more before season's end.