Mesis is looking for his fifth Champions League title, having preivously taken home the trophy in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015. Whilst it appears to be a formidable record, it does mean that Messi and Barca have only lifted one of the last six installments of Europe's premier club competition.

That stat seems incredible when you consider Messi's incredible ability and year-on-year improvement. In each of every one of Barcelona's recent Champions League exits there is a common theme: the lack of goals from Lionel Messi.

If Messi shows up and turns it on in the big games, Barca advance. However, when Messi doesn't score none of his teammates step up to fill the void and Barca exit the competition, as has been happening since the 2011/12 season.

Against Chelsea in 2012, Messi failed to score in both the first (1-0) and second leg (2-2) of the game. At the Camp Nou, the Argentina laid on an assist and missed a crucial penalty on one of the most diastrous nights of his career as the 'Blues' proceeded to the final.



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