Lionel Messi scored twice in the second half to help Barcelona to a 2-0 win over Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg match at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday.
Messi struck his 81st Champions League goal when Barca caught Arsenal on the counter. Barca won the ball on the break in the 71st minute and a Suarez-Neymar-Messi fast, composed move saw the Spanish giants break the deadlock. Messi picked the ball from a Neymar cross and drilled in a left footer to open the scoring.
Messi then converted a penalty, which was awarded after he was clipped on the leg by Mathieu Flamini just inside the box.
Arsenal were resilient in defence and also had their half chances upfront, Alex Chamberlain being their main man, but their inability to make them count did them in.
Messi has now converted 23 goals in 22 appearances for the defending champions since his return from a knee injury in December.
In the other match of the night, Juventus came from behind to hold Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw in their round of 16, first leg tie.
Juve scored through Paulo Dybala (63rd) and substitute Sturaro (77th) in the 2nd half after Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben put the Germans ahead.
IMAGE: FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates on scoring the opening goal against Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League first leg tie at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday
Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
