Messi inspired Barcelona to La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season, combining to thrilling effect with Neymar and Luis Suarez in a devastating attacking trio.
The 28-year-old's exploits earned him the fifth Ballon d'Or of a stellar career, although he has arguably played more of a supporting role this time around – with Suarez as Barcelona's chief marksman and Neymar scaling ever greater heights of trickery and ingenuity.
Speaking ahead of his team's Champions League round-of-16 first leg at Arsenal on Tuesday, Luis Enrique put that down to the selfless nature of a player who excels in every position.
"Last season he was unbelievable, he did pretty much everything – he scored, he had defensive sacrifice, he assisted," the coach said.
"He is at the same level or even better [this season]. My players are capable of reinventing themselves constantly.
"Lionel Messi, when he goes back to the midfield he is the best midfielder; when he is a striker he scores lots of goals.
"Now he is playing as a winger but he has freedom to go and have superiority all over the pitch
"He is the best wherever he plays. He is our leader."
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