Lionel Messi (right) of Barcelona shoots against AC Milan's Christian Abbiati on Wednesday. Photo: CFP

 

The familiar sound of his name echoing around the Nou Camp signaled the end of a mini goal drought as Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-1 win over AC Milan that put Barce­lona through to the European Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

Alarm bells had been ringing from the Catalan capital to the World Player of the Year's native Argen­tina and beyond after Messi failed to score in four consecutive La Liga outings, a barren run by his sky-high standards.

He grabbed his first with an emphatic strike from the penalty spot on the half-hour, prompting the Barca fans inside the giant arena to begin the chants of "Messi, Messi, Messi" that have marked so many of his home appearances in Europe's elite club competition.

An unmarked Sergio Busquets nodded in Xavi's free kick 10 minutes later, but Gerard Pique turned the ball into his own net moments before the break to make it 2-1 and give Milan hope.

The Italian side looked more threatening after Robinho was ­substituted by Mario ­Balotelli at halftime before Messi made a trademark dash between the ­defenders and dinked the ball over keeper Christian Abbiati for his ­second ­seven minutes from the end.

It was the 26-year-old's sixth goal in three games in Europe this season and his 65th in 82 Champions League appearances and firmly put to bed concern he might have lost his cutting edge after a couple of brief injury absences.

Barca's comfortable victory lifted the Group H leaders to 10 points from four matches and put them through to the knockout round with two matches to spare.

Milan, struggling in both domestic and continental competition, have five points in second. 

"­Evidently, making comments about Leo when they are negative has its risks," said Barca coach Gerardo Martino.

"He is one of the few ­players in the world that you have to be careful with when you see him in a bad light because he can turn everything around in three days and put in a performance like today."

Agencies - Global Times