A third straight FIFA world player of the year award is surely heading the Argentina playmaker’s way after his staggering 53-goal season, but incredibly he is still just 23 and could have another decade at the top.

Messi’s return of one goal and an assist in Saturday’s 3-1 win hardly reflected his impact at Wembley. The diminutive No. 10 outwitted opponents to find and create space throughout the game, making a defense that reached the final without conceding an away goal look second rate.

Coach Pep Guardiola says Barcelona must continue to “put together the kind of team he needs to have around him.”