Lionel Messi did something nobody expected after scoring v Athletic Bilbao

Some people have dared to compare Mohamed Salah to Lionel Messi after his four-goal haul for Liverpool against Watford on Saturday evening, but those who claim the Egyptian is now on the same level clearly haven’t watched enough of the Barcelona maestro.

Messi, who produced a masterclass against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday night, was at it again this afternoon at the Camp Nou.

This time Athletic Bilbao were Messi’s victims. The Argentine played his part in the opening goal, scored by Paco Alcacer, and then made it 2-0 to the hosts with a goal from the edge of the penalty area on the half-hour mark.

Sky Sports’ commentator Rob Palmer said that Messi is currently at the peak of his powers moments after the ball hit the back of the net and it’s hard to disagree.

While the South American has been extraordinary in every season since 2006, he seems to have taken his all-round game to new levels this term.

Messi makes Barcelona tick - everything now goes through him - and yet he still scores goals for fun.

Prior to this afternoon’s La Liga fixture, Messi had scored a magnificent 34 goals in 42 matches.