Lionel Messi's unceasing evolution and everlasting genius sets him apart from the mortals

Also, there are many alternate timelines in which a 12-year-old Messi did not receive crucial growth hormone injections before flying off to a foreign land.

The hard-working aspect of Messi’s career is often dismissed, mainly due to his immeasurable talent. The Argentine constantly picks up his weak-spot and steps up that aspect of his game.

This stubbornness to challenge himself in every aspect of the game has enabled him to evolve into arguably the most complete player in the world. Maybe ever?

While most players aim to become the best version of who they are supposed to be, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has devoted his career to becoming the best version of who he is. And this has helped him expand his skillsets and emerge as the world’s best playmaker, while standing on the podium as the best forward in football.

By the end of the 2014/15 season, Messi had scored just 19 career free-kicks for club and country. The treble winner was not even close to being named a top free-kick taker. That was probably one of the few missing stones in his golden gauntlet. Messi then worked on his dead-ball skills and went on to score 29 direct free-kicks in the next four seasons.

This, perhaps, is one of the best instances to prove the two hypotheses – Messi is not just about the talent and he is constantly working on becoming the best version of himself.

The genius has successfully normalised scoring free-kicks, making it look simpler than it actually is. Just like that, the 31-year-old became the best free-kick taker of this generation and it’s not lauded as much as it’s seen as something routine.

At the age of 31, one can’t be tasked to run about for 90 minutes, especially while facing a team that presses very well. Messi – or rather his current version – has been very efficient with his movements. The forward chooses his moments and strikes when it’s most opportune.

Against Liverpool, the Argentine was heavily involved in build-up for most parts of the game, but the first time he threatened the goal directly was when he tapped in a rebound off the post, 15 minutes from time. Seven minutes later, he scored a sensational free-kick to seal the game.

This is Messi adjusting to the limitations of a footballer’s body in his 30’s. He manages to not let any attribute of his overall game-play slack off and yet create an impact via a moment of absolute madness.

Tactically, Jurgen Klopp got most of it right. Liverpool were the better team for most parts of the game. They had suffocated Barcelona’s midfield, pushed the backline with the high press and created numerous chances.

Theoretically, this should have been enough and the visitors should have carried home an advantage or at least a stalemate. But logic and theory simply doesn’t work in Messi’s realm. The Barcelona star bends reality to his will, ensuring his team comes out on top, despite a rather lacklustre performance.

Of course, the Reds have a fighting chance to turn the tie around, Barcelona have collapsed in the Champions League before. But ultimately it will depend on whether Messi shows mercy to Liverpool’s defence.

The Argentine is at the twilight of his career and when he drifts off into retirement, his spherical weapon in the mortal world will dream about his soft touch. It’s unlikely that an individual who is worthy of taking on the mantle will ever be born. It’s best to enjoy the genius during whatever little is left of his career.