Some might think it sounds farfetched, but this may have been Messi’s best ever season for Barcelona. The Champions League collapse to Liverpool will no doubt colour the campaign, as well as the legacy of this generation of Barca players. Nevertheless, domestically, Messi was absolutely dominant, and arguably more important to his side than in any other previous year. The Barca captain had 32 non-penalty goals this season, as well as 13 assists. Statistically speaking he’s had better years – most recently 2014-15, in which he notched 38 NPG and 8 assists. However, his previous totals came on sides that included Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Dani Alves, and Neymar. This contingent of Barcelona players is still wildly skilled, and manager Ernesto Valverde should be lauded for what he’s accomplished domestically, but they are not as talent ladened as they once were, and messidependencia, while somewhat overblow, is still a real thing.