Messi scores twice, Barca enters King's Cup quarter-finals with big win

Barca:Messi (13', 15'), Alba (28'), Suarez (31'), Rakitic (87')

In the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Celta Vigo drew 1-1 with Barca. However, the main reason for Celta Vigo's achievement was that coach Ernesto Valverde fielded a Barca squad consisting mostly of reserve players. In this second leg, coach Valverde decided to "quickly destroy" Celta Vigo by putting key players like Messi, Luis Suarez, and Andres Inieta on the field from the start.

Celta Vigo soon showed their weakness against the home team Barca with Messi in the squad. In the 13th minute, Celta Vigo conceded a goal. From a cross from Jordi Alba on the left wing, Suarez cleverly passed the ball to Messi to launch a dangerous demi volley to open the score for Barca.

Messi opened the scoring for Barca.

Just 2 minutes later, Alba crossed for Messi to finish, scoring against Celta Vigo, helping Barca double the gap. This was Alba's 8th assist this season, and 7 of them were for Messi.

In the 28th minute, Messi returned the favor to his powerful assistant Alba. The Argentine superstar sent an incredible through ball from midfield through Celta Vigo's defense. Messi's pass helped Alba easily run into the penalty area, face the visitors' goalkeeper Alvarez, and shoot to score. This was Alba's second goal of the season, and both goals were assisted by Messi. Clearly, Messi and Alba have a very special connection this season.

Alba scored from Messi's wonderful assist.

Conceding 3 goals in just 28 minutes, Celta Vigo completely lost their will to fight. In the 31st minute, Celta Vigo player Sisto even carelessly passed the ball back, allowing Suarez to score. The first half ended with a huge 4-goal lead for Barca.

Suarez punishes Sisto's mistake.

Entering the second half, Barca played leisurely but still scored another goal thanks to Ivan Rakitic in the 87th minute. With a 5-0 victory over Celta Vigo, Barca confidently advanced to the quarter-finals with a total score of 6-1 after 2 matches.

Rakitic headed the ball into the net in the 87th minute.

In the previous match, Sevilla also won at home against Cadiz. Sevilla beat Cadiz 2-1 thanks to goals from Wissam Ben Yedder and Joaquin Correra. This helped Sevilla advance with a 4-1 aggregate score after two matches. Meanwhile, Levante lost 0-2 at home to Espanyol. That defeat meant Levante were eliminated with a 2-3 aggregate score after two matches.

Line-up

Barca: Cillessen; Semedo, Pique (Vermaelen 46'), Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Gomes, Iniesta (Arnaiz 62'); Messi (Dembele 59'), Suarez

Celta Vigo: Alvarez; Mallo, Gomez, Fontas, Johnny; Wass (Radoja 46'), Jozabed, Lobotka, Sisto (Mendez 56'); Mor, Aspas. (M.Gomez 46')

Specific results

Levante 0-2Espanyol(total score 2-3)

Sevilla2-1 Cadiz (4-1)

Barca5-0 Celta Vigo (6-1)

Messi was given a pair of shoes with the story of his life and career.

A Paraguayan artist drew Messi's most important moments on a pair of shoes and gave it to the Barca superstar.