LIONEL MESSI finally ended his long wait for a goal against Chelsea.
The Barcelona superstar is arguably the greatest player of all-time but had somehow failed to score against the Blues in eight matches before Tuesday night
But he finally broke his duck 12 years after meeting Chelsea for the first time.
The home side had gone in front when Willian – easily the best player on the night – rifled home early in the second half.
Barcelona had dominated possession but struggled to break down the stubborn Blues.
It was a mistake that finally undid Antonio Conte’s plans… and ended Messi’s long wait.
MESSI VS CHELSEA IN NUMBERS
0 – number of penalties Messi has scored, from one taken
1 – number of goals Messi has scored
9 – number of games he has played
12 – years since Messi’s first game, on February 20, 2006
17 – goals against other English teams, in 16 matches played
30 – number of shots Messi has taken
792 – minutes played before his first goal
Andreas Christensen played a truly awful pass across goal that went to Andres Iniesta – Cesar Azpilicueta made a desperate lunge, but his dive only served to set Iniesta free.
The Barca captain then cut back for Messi and as soon as hit rolled into his stride there was no doubt.
Messi stroked home, ending a nine-game, 729-minute wait.
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The Argentina skipper scored with his 30th shot against the Blues, ending a drought that started in almost 12 years to the day ago.
He even missed a penalty in the semi-final in 2012, the year Chelsea went on to win the competition under Roberto Di Matteo.
"Leo Messi has n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ scored against Chelsea."
…Done. pic.twitter.com/3NlCQIvLha
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 20, 2018
After a 1-1 draw Chelsea will now have to go to the Nou Camp on March 14 and get a positive result.
Blues boss Antonio Conte was delighted with the performance but disappointed his side could only draw – Willian was unlucky to hit the post twice and Barca barely created any chances.
The Italian said: “”We were very close to the perfect game. One mistake and we know very well when you make a mistake against Barcelona and players like Messi, Suarez and Iniesta you pay.
“It is a pity. I am very proud for my players. They followed what we prepared.
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“It’s a pity. tonight we were a bit unlucky.
“I think when you play this game you must have a plan and respect the characteristics of the opponent. Our plan was really good.
“The effort of the players was great, we are talking about 1-1 and maybe we deserved more.”
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