Messi opened the scoring then helped tee up Neymar and Paco Alcacer to lead Barca to a record 29th Cup triumph after Theo Hernandez’s brilliant free kick had briefly brought Alaves level. However, once again it was Messi who inspired Barca to bounce back from the disappointment of losing their La Liga title to Real Madrid last weekend with a stunning individual display. “He is extraordinary, an extraterrestrial,” said Enrique of Messi. “I have had the opportunity to enjoy the best of Messi, at his peak athletic performance. Messi saw a free kick of his own beaten away by Fernando Pacheco, whilst Ivan Rakitic drilled a low shot just wide as Barca immediately reacted to conceding.

Source: Manila Times May 28, 2017 09:56 UTC