Lionel Messi and Barcelona are through the next stage in the Champions League after they were able to navigate the group stage with the help of the little genius.
Barcelona ensured that they would be among the 16 teams in the Champions League knockout stage billed to start in the New Year and Lionel Messi was at the centre of the feat made possible courtesy the 3-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund FC of Germany.
Barcelona beat 1997 champions Borussia Dortmund with Lionel Messi getting one of the goals on the occasion of his 700th appearance for the Nou Camp giants.
He has now scored against 34 different teams in the Champions League this setting a new record ahead of arch rivals Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Juventus player Ronaldo has scored against 33 different teams in the history of the competition and Lionel Messi was able to surpass him with the strike against Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona took the lead in the 29th minute through star striker Luis Suarez who was teed up by the aforementioned Messi who then doubled the lead four minutes later courtesy the mistake from Mats Hummels in the Barcelona defence.
Messi was making his 700th Barcelona appearance and he was also responsible for the third goal scored by substitute Antoine Griezmann who had come on for Ousmane Dembele in the first half after his compatriot suffered an injury.
Borussia Dortmund substitute Jadon Sancho scored the consolation goal for his team in the last quarter of the game as Barcelona sealed Champions League knockout stage football with the result.
