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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
ALEX YOUNG

On This Day: Lionel Messi scores FOUR as Barcelona thrash Arsenal in 2010

Ten years ago, Lionel Messi scored all four goals as Barcelona thrashed Arsenal to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

A 22-year-old Messi was already considered among the world's best and started in a central role after a 2-2 first-leg draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Nicklas Bendtner put Arsenal ahead at Camp Nou, on the night and on aggregate, but Messi levelled matters two minutes later but lashed the ball past Manuel Almunia from the edge of the area.

A smart touch inside the area took the ball away from Thomas Vermaelen shortly afterwards and Messi beat Almunia on the angle and, before the first half was out, Messi had his hat-trick.

Seydou Keita's header from inside his half beat Arsenal's high line with ease and Messi ran through and chipped the ball over Almunia to conclude a devastating 21-minute spell.

Messi wrapped up the win two minutes from time, easily ducking away from Emmanuel Eboue and Vermaelen to drive a low shot past Almunia.

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