Barcelona things learned as Messi's record is but a footnote in another magical display

Here, we look at three things learned from the encounter.

RECORD-BREAKER MESSI LEAVES CAMP NOU SPEECHLESS AGAIN

What is left to say about Lionel Messi? Having been treated to his genius for over a decade, Camp Nou has been exhausted of ways to laud, in their eyes at least, the best player of all time. Gasps, tears, cheers and random words of disbelief – sure. Fully constructed, fathomable sentences – not so much.

It’s only after the game, once they leave the stadium that fans can be expected to attempt to verbalise what they’ve witnessed.

It’s a testament to his unparalleled ability and performance as an artist that while his latest record of becoming La Liga’s highest assist provider didn’t go unnoticed, it’s not what those fans leaving the stadium would have marveled at.

No, it’s those perfectly weighted through balls, audacious free-kick goal under the wall and effortless gliding past defenders that would have sent tongues wagging. That’s the mark of a true genius, not his stats, record and trophies, but the breathtaking manner in which he goes about accomplishing it all.

LIVERPOOL’S COUTINHO SHOWS UP AT BARCELONA

If any Liverpool fans watched this game, they knew exactly what was about to happen in the 66th minute when Coutinho left his man for dead and cut onto his favoured right foot with the goal in sight (just about). A trademark short back-lift later, the ball was in the back of the net.

It’s a sight the Anfield faithful would’ve grown accustomed to – Coutinho curling in a beauty from over 30 yards out. It’s not as if his performance in the game until that point was lacklustre – he squared an assist for Suarez’s second earlier on.

But in celebration of that sumptuous strike and for the remaining time in the game thereafter, you could see the Brazilian’s chest puff out as he swelled with confidence.

He started to look more like the Coutinho at Liverpool and more like he belonged along the likes of Messi and Suarez. He may have even had another assist from a corner but for Thomas Vermaelen’s header striking the upright.

BARCELONA STILL HAVE A SOFT CENTRE

For all the stupendous attacking play, Messi’s magic and Suarez’s goals, the beginning of proceedings can’t simply be swept under the carpet. The so-called defending that led to Girona’s opener was horrendous.

Sergio Busquets, of all people, kicked it off by dwelling on the ball and losing possession. Ivan Rakitic seemed to stand still as Anthony Lozano strolled past him through the centre and Samuel Umtiti completely switched off, failing to pay heed to Portu’s challenge. The Frenchman was easily brushed off the ball and the striker stole in to score.

Barcelona’s defensive record has seen a marked improvement under Ernesto Valverde but that’s largely down to the set-up than the actual fortitude in their back-line.

It’s questionable if Nelson Semedo even knew he was supposed to be playing as part of a back four while Jordi Alba leaves his post on a regular basis. It was the wake up call they needed against Girona but a better team like say, Chelsea, won’t afford them such an easy path back into the game.