Lionel Messi: Barcelona man scores Champions League treble

Sport

It took Messi’s Champions League tally to 62, with Gerard Pique heading in the third and Victor Valdes saving KolbeinnSigthorsson’s penalty.

“It was important to start with a win, especially playing at home,” said Messi. “We know how difficult these Champions League groups always are.

Messi, Messi, Messi

“In the second half we had the ball and controlled the match. We found it tough to pressure them initially because they were moving the ball well out from the back. But I think in general it was a great performance.”

Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino said: “It is very important for the club and the team to gain confidence and start the group stage with a win at home.

“Thanks to having more of the ball we were more stable and we pressurised them better. I think we will find the variation we need, we are still just at the beginning of the season.”

In Group E, Schalke went top after defeating Romanians Steaua Bucharest 3-0, with Atsuto Uchida, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Julian Draxler scoring for the Germans. Chelsea were shocked 2-1 at Stamford Bridge by Swiss side Basel.

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