"He shows in every game why he is Messi. His average performance is this type of game," said Spurs boss Maurico Pochettino after his fellow Argentine inspired Barcelona to a 4-2 victory over Tottenham in their Champions League group game at Wembley on Wednesday.

Two goals, exquisite passing and not a pair of gloves in sight.

Messi may always draw comparisons with his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo - who has strutted his stuff in England, Spain and is now over in Serie A with Juventus - but he has shown time and again he has is the man for the big occasion, especially when facing English clubs.

The 31-year-old has scored 22 goals and delivered six assists in 28 games against England's finest - more than he has against clubs from any other country.

Still think that not playing in the Premier League precludes him from the GOAT tag? Think again.

Messi's magic against English clubs in the Champions League

Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd, 2008-09 final

Before Ronaldo made his move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, duels between him and Messi were limited to the Champions League.

Here, in a Rome final billed as a contest between the two and as United tried to retain their crown, Barcelona were inspired by Messi, who capped his performance with a stunning headed goal.

Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal (6-3 agg) 2009-10 quarter-finals

Arsenal actually led this tie 3-2 thanks to a Nicklas Bendtner goal in the Nou Camp, only for the Gunners to be dumped out by Messi's individual brilliance.

The Argentine scored all four of Barca's goals. The third, a sublime chip, had fans bowing in reverence, while the fourth, a surging run, confirmed his reputation as an unstoppable force.

Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd, 2010-11 final

Two years on, against the same opponents but this time at Wembley, Messi again inspired Barca to yet another Champions League success.

The Argentine danced around the famous stadium and, when United found hope at 1-1, it was Messi who snuffed it out with a powerful drive.

Barcelona 4-0 Man City, 2016-17 group stage

As Pep Guardiola returned to his old club for the first time as Manchester City manager, Messi was just returning from a groin injury. It did not stop him.

Messi had already waltzed through the City defence by the time the visitors were reduced to 10 men. His second was a curling left-footed finish and the hat-trick was completed with a predator's tap-in.

BBC

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