It's been a while since Leonel Messi and Barcelona lifted European silverware. After winning the 2014/2015 campaign under Luis Enrique, they have been forced to endure a dry spell during which their biggest rivals Real Madrid won the competition 3 straight times in a row. Barcelona has thus made the European Champions League their priority this season and Messi seems determined to secure it.
The Ace man has already netted an incredible 43 goals in 40 matches this season blowing away all competition in the race for golden boot across various competitions. He has also recently developed a knack for scoring freekicks which is something his opponents will be wary of (as if facing him before wasn't hectic enough)
Today Barcelona will face Manchester United in the first leg of the UCL semi-final draw. It promises to be a cracker of a match. Manchester United have an awkward style of play that makes them a bit unpredictable. They would likely want to sit tight and hit Barcelona with the counter-attack using their pacy forwards. Barcelona. on the other hand, is content is retain possession and slowly probe the defense for weaknesses.
With Suarez and Messi currently in red-hot form, it would be unwise of Manchester to give them too much time on the ball. A lot of Barcelona players have been known to shoot from a distance so maybe parking the bus isn't a good strategy. I expect a Barcelona win.