The European Super Cup finally ended with a score of three to two.
Manchester City narrowly defeated Barcelona with Su Dong's clean, decisive direct Free Kick.
Su Dong scored twice and assisted once, while Messi scored once and assisted once. Both star players had displayed tremendous ability.
Especially in the final stages of the match, with Barcelona trailing by one goal, they launched a frenzied counterattack against Man City. Messi repeatedly orchestrated attacks, and whether through his individual performance or his efforts to create shooting opportunities for his teammates, he played exceptionally well.
In the end, however, Man City held on to its three-to-two lead.
The moment the whistle sounded, it was obvious that the emotions inside Louis II Stadium seemed to freeze solid.
Every Barcelona player wore a dejected expression. Clearly, they were deeply dissatisfied with the result.
They had every reason to be.
As the defending Champions League winners, they could have performed much better, but they had failed to do so in this match.
"Whoa, you won again!"
Messi walked toward Su Dong, panting heavily. After exhaling deeply, he opened his arms and took the initiative to embrace Su Dong.
"Don't say that. You played extremely well." Su Dong patted Messi's sweat-soaked back and comforted him.
After they parted, Messi grinned at Su Dong.
"Stop pretending. You must be thrilled inside right now. You've practically written your happiness all over your face." Messi waved a hand in front of Su Dong, as if the latter's face were really covered in writing.
"You saw right through me." Su Dong curled his lips and spread his hands helplessly. "Actually, right now I want to tell the whole world that I defeated the European Best Player. I'm so proud! So incredibly proud!"
Messi burst out laughing and gave him