Catalan paper Sport compiled together some fascinating statistics on Barcelona's 2-0 win over Arsenal on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Their front cover (see below) is titled "Walking is for geniuses" and they pinpoint just how Leo Messi doesn't need to run very much to affect big games.
Messi was once again the difference against Arsenal, the Champions League team against whom he has scored most goals in his career (8).
Two second half moments saw Messi crash home the opener after great work by Luis Suarez and Neymar before the Argentine secured a 2-0 victory from the penalty spot after luring substitute Mathieu Flamini into a wild tackle.
Universally, Messi was hailed as the man of the match as his fantastic start to the calendar year of 2016 continues.
Incredibly though, of all the Barcelona outfield players that started at the Emirates, Leo Messi ran the least.
Messi ran 8.4 kilometres against Arsenal, significantly less than the high posted by Andres Iniesta (11.4km) and even Javier Mascherano, who was second "worst," ran 9.2km.
Incredibly, Sport point out that Cristiano Ronaldo has run double the amount of Leo Messi in the Champions League this season.
Obviously, this is skewed by the fact Messi has been injured but it still works out at the following average: Leo Messi 7.9km per game. Cristiano Ronaldo 9km per game.
Quite simply, Leo Messi is a genius who works on instinct. A player that bides his time for the right moment before deciding a match and does not waste his energy.
As César Luis Menotti once said: "Messi could be on the pitch talking to his wife and son on his mobile…then suddenly grab the ball and win the match."
The full running numbers for Barcelona against Arsenal are below, via Sport. It is worth noting that both Luis Suarez and Neymar made over 10 kilometres, which is another reason why the MSN is so successful.
After all, whilst Messi does little running, Neymar and Suarez hustle themselves silly to make more opportunities for the team.
Related: Afghan boy Murtaza Ahmadi replaces his plastic bag 'Messi 10' shirt with a signed Messi top.