Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on May 1, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez opened the scoring midway through the opening half of the semi-final first leg before Messi struck twice in seven second half minutes to leave the Reds with a mountain to climb in the tie despite an impressive performance in Catalonia.
Messi’s second, an incredible long-range free-kick, was his 600th Barca goal in all competitions.
The two sides meet again next Tuesday for the decisive second leg at Anfield.
“How we caused them problems was outstanding,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
“I don’t know if we can play much better. But one moment there’s Messi with an easy goal and the second was unsaveable.”
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