22 year-old Lionel Messi has rightfully been the centre of attention in FC Barcelona’s irresistible ride to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Coming off a virtuoso four goal quarter-final performance against Arsenal, the Argentine was expected to provide further headaches against an Inter team that has turned a major corner since Jose Mourinho’s appointment as manager of the Serie A giants.
By the end of yesterday’s encounter at the San Siro, Messi was the one left feeling grey as Inter’s array of seasoned players turned back the clock to land what may be a definitive blow to Barcelona’s chances of progressing to a second consecutive Champions League final.
Inter captain Javier Zanetti, who is 14 years older than Messi, was instrumental in marshalling an Inter defence that constantly thwarted the attacking majesty of Barcelona’s midfield.
The Argentine was brilliantly supported by veteran defenders Walter Samuel, Maicon and Lucio, who were seldom overawed by the speed and enthusiasm from the likes of Pedro, Alves and Messi.
Although Barcelona defender Dani Alves is a supremely gifted footballer, he is yet to display the consistency and patience of his Brazilian counterpart Maicon, who at 28 years of age, showcased the reason why national coach Dunga will grant him a starting spot at this year’s World Cup.
While Maicon did make an error in the lead-up to Barcelona’s opening goal, he recovered to give Inter the lead and once again attain bragging rights in his battle with Alves for a place in Brazil’s starting 11 for South Africa.
Brazil captain Lucio and Argentine defender Walter Samuel continued Zhatlan Ibrahimovic’s recent below par showings for Barca, with the pair suffocating the Swede into another dissapointing display for the Catalan giants.
In the midfield, Inter’s Esteban Cambiasso was as solid as a rock, particularly in the second half when Barcelona began dictating terms with possession.
The 29 year old has established himself as one of the game’s best defensive midfielders, playing a leading hand in disrupting the clinical attacking chemistry between Xavi and Messi.
And at 30 years of age, playing in his first ever Champions League campaign, Diego Milito has not looked at sorts in European football’s biggest stage, producing a man of the match performance to set-up Inter’s crucial two goal advantage heading into the next week’s second leg.
The former Genoa and Real Zaragoza player was the leading figure yesterday, as he set-up both Wesley Sneijder and Maicon before scoring himself to round off a memorable display.
It remains to be seen if Inter’s golden oldies can replicate their first leg showing at the Nou Camp against a Barcelona unit who have made a habit of embarrassing their opposition while playing at home.
The prospect of making a Champions League final for the first time should just provide enough motivation for Inter’s seasoned stars to halt the train that is FC Barcelona, and go on to win the elusive piece of silverware, many years in the making.
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