Messi double guides Barcelona to 2-0 win at Celtic

City only needs a draw to progress, provided Celtic doesn’t beat Barcelona.

Celtic, while dominating the Scottish league, have failed to make an impact in European play; they are now sitting at the bottom of Group C with two points. In Glasgow, however, that dominance withers completely.

Celtic, who always seem to become a different team when fuelled by the fevered atmosphere of their Parkhead home, are warmed by the memory of their famous 2-1 triumph over Messi and Barca there in 2012.

Celtic, who did not reach the group stage in the past two seasons, came through two qualifiers and a play-off this year. Bet: Barcelona’s victory with a handicap – 1.5. Moussa Dembélé should have put the side level with a header from seven yards but it was directed straight at Marc-André ter Stegen.

Messi should be back for the trip to Glasgow after suffering a stomach bug at the weekend and Luis Suarez is available after suspension, but with accusations of “Messi dependence” being hurled at Barcelona, coach Luis Enrique will want to see other players produce a reaction. “I think we’ve learned a lot and hopefully now we’re going in with a positive mindset”. But two touches of brilliance from a pair of superstar forwards broke the resistance.

Neymar picked out Messi with a clever chip from the left-hand channel and he took the pass in his stride to send a first-time volley past Craig Gordon at his near post, the visitors’ 400th goal in all competitions under the management of Luis Enrique.

Celtic’s chances of qualifying for the final 16 are, in contrast, bleak. We just switch off on the edge of the box. Quick James Forrest is also amongst the substitutes.

And then, in the 55th minute, the game was over.

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez is fouled by Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre in the penalty area at Celtic Park.

Messi without a doubt has the highest upside along with his Barcelona teammates Neymar and Suarez.

“We changed him to give him a rest, but it was nothing tactical [to avoid a red card]”.

While Celtic was clearly overmatched, it was, as ever, an uncomfortable night for Barca in Scotland, no matter what the score suggests.

The hosts, who secured third place in the group and will go into the Europa League, took a surprise lead through Brazilian Raffael before David Silva equalised on the stroke of halftime.