Skip to main content

Messi brace sends Barcelona into Champions League final 16

  • Author:
  • Publish date:
Lionel-Messi-t2.jpg

MOSCOW (AP) -- Lionel Messi scored his ninth double of the season as Barcelona reached the knockout stage of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory at Spartak Moscow on Tuesday.

Messi has now scored 80 goals for club and country in 2012, only five behind former Germany striker Gerd Mueller's all-time record from 1972.

The Argentina forward made it 2-0 in the 27th minute after getting first to a rebound, and beat goalkeeper Andriy Dikan one-on-one when Pedro Rodriguez sent him through 12 minutes later for his 56th Champions League goal.

Defender Daniel Alves scored for Barcelona with a low right-footed shot into the corner in the 16th.

Barcelona tops Group G with 12 points. Spartak is last with three points.

On Dec. 5, Barcelona hosts Benfica and Spartak travels to Celtic.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.