Lionel Messi set to make 100th Champions League appearance

Lionel Messi is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance when Barcelona launch their title defence at Roma in a sold-out Stadio Olimpico in tonight’s Group E opener.

The Argentinian superstar scored a total of 60 goals and set up 28 more in 60 appearances last season, helping Barca capture a Primera Division, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble.

Messi, who came off the bench to score the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 triumph at Atletico Madrid that kept Barca perfect in La Liga and two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the domestic standings, is expected to start against Roma.