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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Luke Brown

Lionel Messi says Liverpool tie 'isn't decided' despite brilliant brace to give Barcelona significant advantage

Lionel Messi has claimed that the Champions League semi-final is not decided, even though FC Barcelona will take a 3-0 lead over Liverpool back to Anfield next week.

A first-half goal from Luis Suarez gave the hosts the lead, but it was Messi's second-half brace which put the distance between the two sides - including a remarkable free kick. 

Despite the clear advantage heading to Merseyside next Tuesday, the Barca man doesn't think that this tie is over.

"We know that it is not decided," he told Movistar.

"We still have to go to a very difficult stadium, but we are very happy."

Messi scored his 599th and 600th goals for Barcelona on a night when his team needed their star man to step up.

For his first of the night, a Suarez shot struck the crossbar, only for Messi to follow the ball in anticipation of the rebound, with the Argentine tapping the ball into the empty net to put his side 2-0 up.

His second of the game, Barcelona's third and Messi's 600th in those famous red and blue stripes was one to remember, though.

The Argentine stepped up to a free kick having already scored seven direct ones this season. 

Then he whipped in a sensational effort that Alisson - even at full stretch - could do nothing to prevent hitting the net. 

Liverpool will now need their own magic to overcome a significant first-leg deficit.

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