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How Lionel Messi finally saw red after 753 zen-like Barcelona matches

When Lionel Messi's moment came, it was, of course, spectacular.

Stage? The Spanish Supercopa final. State of play? Defeat or victory balanced infinitely delicately. Classic Messi territory.

For 753 Barcelona matches, sufficient to make him the greatest player in history, this has always very specifically been Messi territory.

From his first Liga goal, scored against Albacete in the 90th minute nearly 16 years ago, via his extra-time winner against Estudiantes, scored with the club badge on his chest, in the Club World Cup final of 2009, right up to him choosing the 92nd minute of a Bernabeu Clasico to win the match 3-2 with his 500th Barcelona goal -- believe me when I tell you that this was Messi territory.