Lionel Messi cemented his status as the greatest player of his generation as two moments of magic from the Argentine maestro inspired Barcelona to Champions League glory on Saturday.
Messi arrived at Wembley widely regarded as the sport’s preeminent force but the likes of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney also had their claims to be the world’s best.
Those arguments will now be forgotten as Messi produced a second match-winning display in a Champions League final against United in the space of just three years.
After Barcelona’s 3-1 triumph coach Pep Guardiola did not hesitate to lavish praise on the 23-year-old superstar.
“He is the best I have ever seen and probably the best I will ever see,” Guardiola told reporters.
“I don’t think this team would have made the qualitative leap that we have made in the past few years without him.
“Messi is unique, he is a one-off. I just hope that he does not get fed up and he can continue to play as he has done.”
Back in 2009, Messi announced his arrival as a true great with a headed goal in Barca’s 2-0 victory over United in Rome.
This time he did his damage with a sweet strike to restore Barca’s lead early in second half before a superb solo run provided the impetus for David Villa’s clinching third goal.
A remarkable tally of 56 goals in 62 games for club and country this season suggests Messi deserves his place alongside Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stefano and George Best in the pantheon of all-time greats.
Maradona worked with Messi when he was Argentina manager at last year’s World Cup and said recently: “I’ve heard many times over the years that there is a ‘new Maradona’. With Messi, though, I believe the player is equal to the hype.”
It was easy to see why Maradona is so enthralled by his compatriot as he bewitched the United defence time and again.
Messi had never scored in England and he put that to rest in the 54th minute to score his 12th Champions League goal of the season, equalling the record set by former United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy during his time at Old Trafford.
But he wasn’t finished yet.
A typically fleet-footed piece of skill left Nani trailing in his wake as Messi cut in from the right to unhinge the United defence in the build-up to Villa’s 69th minute minute goal.
Fittingly, Wembley, renowned as the Venue of Legends, was the backdrop for Messi’s rise to the ranks of the immortals.
While Messi shone, it was a frustrating night for Rooney.
The 25-year-old admitted this week that he was so enthralled by Barca’s 5-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this season that he leapt from his sofa to applaud their sublime display.
And Rooney was reduced to the role of spectator again as Barca weaved their magic to take the lead through Pedro in the 27th minute.
United’s need for Rooney to step up to the plate had never been greater and the England forward rose to the occasion to equalise in the 34th minute.
However after that he was starved of possession for long periods and cut a frustrated figure as Barca strolled to their fourth European Cup triumph.
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