Lionel Messi’s Celtic gallery

Lionel Messi applied an extra touch of class as Barcelona got the better of Celtic to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Fellow South American’s Neymar and Luis Suarez managed to anger the home support with their antics during the match but the little Argentinian is above all of that with his attitude and approach in line with his dedication to the game.

Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong had a few wild lunges at the Barca skipper but there was no sign of retaliation from a player who has been in the firing line in La Liga for more than a decade.

There were a few fouls that Messi earned that seemed debatable but that was more to do with referee Daniele Orsato than the Barca man.

Despite the disappointment of the result the Celtic support were able to take the defeat in their stride, when the goals that your side have lost are conceded to the greatest player in the game there’s not much that anyone can do.

FIRST GOAL

Midway through the first half Celtic looked to be well in the game when two of the greatest talents in the game combined to devastating effect.

When the ball fell to Neymar he instinctively knew where Messi would be and the ball that he was looking for, and vice versa.

Neymar’s pass was to perfection, when Messi gets that space in the penalty box there is almost only one option and the ball was in the back of the net.

RODGERS ON MESSI

Reflecting on his team’s destroyer Brendan Rodgers said: “Lionel Messi is a great, great player, arguably the best who’s ever played football.

“When he plays in your team he makes everybody else better. He’s a phenomenal player, an incredible player. He is always hungry to score.
“Our players will learn that you can’t give that sort of space to a player of that quality — but I was proud of the team tonight.

SECOND GOAL

At the time it looked harsh but on review Suarez was inviting the foul with Emilio Izaguirre literally buying it with both hands.

There was a strange silence as the referee pointed to the spot, frustration mixed with anger at conceding a relatively cheap penalty.

Messi didn’t get involved, he grabbed the ball, ignored the jeers then smacked a shot beyond Craig Gordon- game over.

AFTERMATH

Watching from the comfort of the BT Sport studio Steven Gerrard paid Messi the ultimate compliment.

With well over a decade of top flight experience in his locker Gerrard has played against all the greats at international and club level.

The newly retired former England midfielder said: He’s an incredible footballer. I think the best ever, the best there will ever be. He’s just an absolute pleasure to watch.”