It was only just and proper that Lionel Messi was the man to score the winning goal which gave Barcelona their second LaLiga title in a row on Saturday.
Levante were the visitors to Camp Nou as they continue to fight for their status in Spanish football’s top division.
Messi actually started on the bench for the home side with Ernesto Valverde clearly having one eye on his side’s upcoming Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool.
Luis Suarez brought a good save out of Aitor with Barcelona’s first real chance of the game. Then Philippe Coutinho rattled the crossbar with an excellent effort from a free-kick.
The score remained 0-0 at half time and Messi was brought on as a substitute in place of Coutinho.
Ivan Rakitic had the first real effort in the second half, curling his shot just wide from the edge of the box.
In the 62nd minute, with the game still scoreless, Levante must have been hopeful of gaining a point from the game but then up stepped Messi the magician.
Close control in the box with his right foot allowed Messi to wrongfoot two Levante defenders with the one move. He then put his left-footed finish past Aitor, despite the Levante ‘keeper getting a hand to the shot.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Catalans, however.
Levante’s sub, Jose Luis Morales, had a great chance to equalise on the break after Gerard Pique failed to deal with a bouncing ball. Morales could only blaze his shot over Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s crossbar, though.
Minutes later, Enis Bardhi, also on as a sub for Levante, pushed his effort against the post and could only watch as the ball bounced back into Ter Stegen’s hands.
That was it as far as the action went. The final whistle went and Barcelona were officially confirmed as LaLiga champions, their 26th title ever.
Messi has already scored 34 goals in 32 LaLiga appearances for the Blaugrana this season. Suarez has 21 in 33 league games while Ousmane Dembele and Coutinho are next in line with 8 and 5 goals respectively.
Messi has also chipped in with 13 assists for his teammates and his the highest scoring fantasy LaLiga player this season with 164 points so far.
Valverde and his team’s attention will now turn to the small matter of a Champions League semi-final this Wednesday night when Liverpool are the visitors to Camp Nou.
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