The Football Spin on why Liverpool’s team ethic couldn’t withstand the genius of Lionel Messi

Liverpool couldn't cope with Lionel Messi,

For 75 minutes, Liverpool were doing ok in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, but then Lionel Messi came along and, well, then Liverpool couldn't cope. Messi's genius, especially his 600th goal for Barcelona, took the tie to a point where it looks as if it's beyond Liverpool's reach. Jurgen Klopp talked about how pleased he was with his players' performance and nobody could question that but will that not make it harder for Liverpool to recover? Liverpool were at the top of their game and still they walked away having lost 3-0 which is going to be a hard result to come back from. Jurgen Klopp's side had the chances to have made an impact on the game but ultimately they had to experience the difference between having Mo Salah in your side and having Lionel Messi. Salah missed Liverpool's best chance despite playing well, but Liverpool felt the loss of Roberto Firmino while Barcelona knew that Messi would always be there. On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna and Dion Fanning were joined from Camp Nou by Melissa Reddy to discuss the game and what it means for Liverpool's season. They went into the game on Wednesday night thinking they still had a chance of the double, but how will this result affect their performances in the remaining league games? Melissa explains why she thinks they won't be impacted and says there are reasons Liverpool can have some hope before the second leg next Tuesday. Paddy and Dion aren't so sure. Gary Neville felt Liverpool needed to be knocked out of the Champions League in March if they wanted to give themselves the best chance in the Premier League and perhaps he has been proved right at this stage as the season reaches a climax. Subscribe to The Football Spin.