Just what more can you say about Lionel Messi?His assist for Luis Suarez in the closing minutes of Barcelona’s 2-1 win against Inter Milan on Wednesday was simply incredible.After retrieving the ball just inside Inter’s half, Messi proceeded to dance his way into a dangerous position with ridiculous trickery and balance before teeing up Suarez to score.When Barcelona needed him the most, Messi delivered.And what makes his performance all the more impressive is that he wasn’t even certain to start the match.

The Argentinian has been nursing a thigh injury picked up in the 2-1 win against Villarreal and it was thought he could miss up to three matches, which included Wednesday’s game against Inter and Sunday’s La Liga clash with Sevilla.

Messi wasn’t a given to start the match but Ernesto Valverde knew he needed his star man, irrespective of the fact that he wasn’t 100% fit.

And the risk paid off.

Messi's stats vs Inter Milan

Messi’s stats in his first full game in three months show he’s out of this world.

  • Minutes: 90
  • Assists: 1
  • Touches: 96
  • Dribbles: 10/11
  • Accurate passes: 55/64 (86%)
  • Key passes: 6
  • Big chances created: 2
  • Ground duels: 13/17
  • Long balls: 2/3

Messi’s 10 successful take-ons are the most by any player in the Champions League this season.

And he’s now scored or assisted in each of his last 13 Champions League group stage starts at Camp Nou, his contributions during that time including 22 goals and seven assists.

Yet many still feel like Messi is papering over the cracks at Barcelona.

They were outplayed by Inter Milan in the first half, falling behind through Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the third minute.

Arturo Vidal’s introduction shortly after half-time changed things and Barcelona were level through Suarez’s superb volley on the hour mark.

Then, with six minutes remaining, Messi did what only he can do.

His early-season injuries are a reminder that he won’t be around forever. Enjoy him, folks.