Lionel Messi scored an incredible goal in the Copa del Rey final, as Barcelona easily got past Athletic Bilbao to win their first silverware of the season.
Messi and his teammates went trophyless last season, blowing a lead in La Liga, getting knocked out of the cup by Athletic and losing 8-2 to Bayern Munich in embarrassing fashion in the Champions League.
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It was the first time since 2008 that the Catalan giants had failed to win anything and for a time it looked like Messi's time with the club would end with a whimper rather than a bang.
After getting the six time Ballon d'Or winner to stay though, Barca have now won this season's Spanish cup, and they were inspired by their club captain.
Messi scored undoubtedly the goal of the night as he started the move in his own half, played two one-twos with Frenkie de Jong, before finishing brilliantly from inside the box.
Bilbao were back in the final, two weeks after losing last season's final to Real Sociedad, and were determined for things to go differently this week.
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The Basque side managed to hold on in the first half and go into the break at 0-0 but under increased pressure Antoine Griezmann broke the deadline on the hour.
De Jong took just three minutes to double Barca's lead and then Messi really kicked into gear.
His first goal, which oozed utter class, all but secured the cup was heading back with them to Barcelona in the 68th minute and four minutes later he rounded off the scoring with his second.
Will it be Messi's last piece of silverware with Barcelona? It might not even be the last this season, as they continue to hunt down a potential La Liga tilte.
Featured Image Credit: Premier Sport/PATopics: Football, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Lionel Messi, Copa del Rey, La Liga
