Iniesta the new messiah for Barcelona

 
Alan Nicolea Roar Guru

By Alan Nicolea, 8 May 2009 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru

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From a bird’s eye view, Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta are very difficult to identify. They run the same and play with a flair that arguably lays the foundations for their side to produce the majestic attacking displays they are so famous for.

At ground level though, all of Stamford Bridge could see which player had taken away their hopes of a Champions League final rematch against Manchester United.

It was not Messi, who just days earlier tore Real Madrid to shreds, scoring two goals and assisting in several others for a 6-2 victory in the Santiago Bernabeu.

Although the 21 year old Argentine gave the final pass for Barcelona’s equaliser, it was Iniesta who took centre stage, in Europe’s biggest stage, to rocket home a spectacular goal that was immediately met with heartache across all of London.

In Spain, however, Iniesta’s goal made sure the Barcelona faithful would end their emotion packed night on a high, considering they were on the verge of tears just minutes earlier.

Iniesta, however, put a stop to that.

The 24 year old will rightfully be the toast of Spain and Europe, courtesy of his wonderful winner against a Chelsea side, who were minutes away from sealing a revenge mission against United.

Judging from the way Chelsea played, one could not have objected if they did qualify for the final.

After taking the lead courtesy of a majestic volley from Michael Essien in just the ninth minute, Chelsea were able to showcase their own brand of offensive vertigo.

The Londoners were superior for the majority of the contest, helped by the fact they again managed to shut down Barca’s main man, Lionel Messi.

Making do without the services of key players Carlos Puyol, Rafael Marquez and Thierry Henry, Barcelona clearly struggled to find the attacking spark necessary to penetrate a stern Chelsea defence.

Indeed the weight of expectation on the shoulders of Messi was beginning to have an effect on his overall ability to repeat his match-turning exploits.

Thankfully for Messi, and the whole of Barcelona, Iniesta finally confirmed his status as one of the world’s finest players, scoring the goal that will now give him the necessary recognition he deserves.

Judging from the relief on Messi’s face post goal celebration, the young Argentine would not have it any other way.

In a season which has seen the 21 year old replace Ronaldinho’s shoes in stunning fashion, the tie against Chelsea has no doubt taken a lot out of the FIFA World Player of the year runner-up.

Messi, however, can now rest easy, knowing full well that team-mate Andres Iniesta has the capabilities to take a game by the scruff of the neck.

Just ask Chelsea.

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