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Lionel Messi: BBC Sport pundit likens Barcelona star to Man Utd legend after Tottenham win
DARREN FLETCHER likened Lionel Messi’s display for Barcelona to that of when Paul Scholes used to play for Manchester United.
Darren Fletcher praises Messi for 'masterclass' performance
Messi produced a masterclass as Barcelona maintained their winning start in Europe by romping to a 4-2 win over Tottenham at Wembley.
The Argentine hitman grabbed a double to take his goal tally against English teams in the Champions League to 22.
He could have had a hat-trick, but he was denited twice by the base of the woodwork.
Although there were question marks over the form of Ernesto Valverde’s men before the clash, Messi and co answered them emphatically with a stylish display.
And former Manchester United midfielder Fletcher was almost left lost for words after Messi’s performance.
“What a performance from that man Messi, he could have had a hat-trick,” Fletcher said.
"It's an absolute masterclass from him, we used to talk about Paul Scholes performing like this but Messi was on another level tonight.”
Messi and Suarez combined beautifully during the game, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Fletcher.
He continued: “Luis [Suarez] is playing for Lionel [Messi], he has so much respect for him.
“In a Liverpool shirt a few seasons ago, you can't see Suarez leaving the ball for anyone like he did twice for Messi tonight.
“Messi loves Suarez and Suarez loves Messi.”
Fletcher, however, reckons Messi will benefit from not playing so high up the pitch.
Pochettino tells players to enjoy playing 'world's best' Messi
He added: “Playing deeper will prolong Lionel Messi's career, he'll still score an incredible amount of goals.
“He's almost playing as Messi and Iniesta all in one, it's quite something.”
Spurs are third in Group B, still looking to register their first point of their European campaign.
Pochettino’s men will be looking for a positive response when they host Cardiff on Saturday (3pm).