Lionel Messi didn't need to devastate Liverpool's Champions League chances to prove he is arguably the greatest player to ever walk the planet.
But when even those who watch him week in, week out declare a flawless performance from the Argentine, it underlines why Jurgen Klopp's side need a miracle to replace to next month's final in Madrid.
A manageable one-goal deficit became a 3-0 reverse on Wednesday night thanks to two Messi moments, the first opportunist, the second one of absolute sheer brilliance.
Barcelona-based news outlet Sport handed Messi a top score of 10 in their player ratings, unable to find fault in his efforts.
Fans voting on Marca's website placed Messi well clear of his Barcelona team-mates.
And El Punt Avui declared the Argentine's performance to be “perfect”.
Catalan newspaper El Periodico were slightly more demanding by handing Messi 9, the same as Jordi Alba, with four other Barcelona players scoring 8.
Matters weren't so encouraging for Philippe Coutinho, the former Liverpool man rated just 5 while Sport gave both the Brazilian and Ousmane Dembele a lowly 4.
Lionel Messi was angry with Barcelona fans - sends Coutinho message ahead of Liverpool second leg
Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, was pinpointed by El Periodico as the Reds' best performer with an 8, ahead of Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, James Milner, Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson on 7.
Joe Gomez was regarded as the weak link, registering just 5.
