Messi back in groove as Barca go through

Lionel Messi ended his mini goal drought with a brace as Barcelona booked their place in the knockout stages of the champions League following a comfortable 3-1 win over AC Milan.

Messi had not scored in his past three matches in the Primera Division but broke the deadlock against the Italian giants after half an hour from the penalty spot.

Sergio Busquets doubled Barca’s lead 10 minutes later and although Gerard Pique’s own goal gave Milan hope on the stroke of half-time, Messi settled matters in the closing stages.