UEFA Champions League Final

Barcelona 3, United 1

Barcelona and Lionel Messi put their places among football's all-time greats beyond all doubt Saturday as the Argentina striker scored one goal and created another in their decisive win over Manchester United. Here, Pedro Rodriguez (left) beats goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar in the 27th minute to give Barca the early lead.

Barcelona 3, United 1

Wayne Rooney did his part in the 34th minute as the Red Devils got the equalizer.

Barcelona 3, United 1

Lionel Messi (left), the two-time world player of the year, spotted a gap between the central defenders -- including Patrice Evra -- and curled the ball past van der Sar to give Barcelona the lead for good in the 54th minute.

Barcelona 3, United 1

David Villa, who took a feed from Lionel Messi, arched a shot toward the goal that goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar seemed to have a beat on ...

Barcelona 3, United 1

... but the shot eluded van der Sar into the upper corner of the goal and Barcelona, up 3-1, was never headed.

Barcelona 3, United 1

The result left a bitter taste for Wayne Rooney (right) and Manchester United, which fell to Barcelona 2-1 in the 2009 Champions League final.