There is a paradox that has come to dog Lionel Messi both with Barcelona and Argentina. That he is a brilliant player, probably the greatest ever to play the game, is not in doubt. But he does seem difficult for others to play with, and he does seem blighted by inept leadership, two issues that have come to a head most recently in the increasing struggles of Antoine Griezmann.
His performance against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday was sadly typical. He had one shot. He completed two dribbles. He completed 76.1% of his 46 attempted passes. But essentially, he did nothing.