Messi’s brace helps Barcelona send Celtic crashing out of Europe

Celtic were almost as good as Barcelona for much of their Champions League matchup at Celtic Park on Wednesday.

With Barcelona playing in the Champions League group stage at Celtic, the South American stars worked together to give the favored side the early lead.

Barcelona almost had a second in the 41st minute, but Gordon redeemed himself with a spectacular palmed save of a close-range Luis Suarez header of a Messi cross.

“He shows the difference he makes”. Lastly, look for Messi to get back on set-pieces after Neymar had an astonishing 27 crosses on the weekend. It’s different with Messi, he’s a great, great player, arguably the best who’s ever played football.

“But, yes, he’s phenomenal player, an incredible player and he’s always hungry to score”.

“It was a hard night for us, but it was also about learning and clearly we’ve shown from that performance that we have learned from it”.

Celtic’s only win in that run was in November 2012 when they recorded only 15% possession at Celtic Park to beat the Catalans (2-1).

Barcelona started with their famous “MSN” attack of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar and Sviatchenko described the challenge of facing such a potent forward trio. “I think what Luis is brilliant at is being in and around the box”. He is leaning into Emilio, who has tried to fight for his space. Messi without a doubt has the highest upside along with his Barcelona teammates Neymar and Suarez.

“The momentum was with us at that point. At the time of course, I said it was very disappointing but it hasn’t harmed us, if anything, it has only improved us a group and as a squad”, he reflected on the previous encounter.

It was a clinical finish, but to their credit Celtic came fighting back and there remained the suggestion that they could fashion an opportunity.

Javier Mascherano added: “We came to get through and we have done that”. We like Callejon’s consistency this season and his floor for this specific game.

“It is just about maintaining that standard”.

Neymar was fortunate to escape with just a booking, which will see him miss the final group game, as he pushed Lustig to the turf after the players clashed, with the Brazilian worldwide subbed moments later.

“That’s what we need to try to do every year now, be in the Champions League season after season”.

Samuel Marsden covers Barcelona for ESPN FC.