Champions League: Lionel Messi strikes as Barcelona beats Arsenal

    James Masters, CNN

    Updated 1055 GMT (1855 HKT) February 24, 2016

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    Barcelona, the defending champion, went up against Arsenal in the first leg of its last 16 Champions League tie in London. Lionel Messi lined up alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar as the visitors went with its attacking trio known as 'MSN'.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
    Barcelona, the defending champion, went up against Arsenal in the first leg of its last 16 Champions League tie in London. Lionel Messi lined up alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar as the visitors went with its attacking trio known as 'MSN'.
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    Arsenal, second in the English Premier League, started well with Mesut Ozil finding space against the Catalan club.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
    Arsenal, second in the English Premier League, started well with Mesut Ozil finding space against the Catalan club.
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    Francis Coquelin was given the job of shielding the Arsenal defense against a Barcelona team which has been scoring goals for fun this season.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
    Francis Coquelin was given the job of shielding the Arsenal defense against a Barcelona team which has been scoring goals for fun this season.
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    Andres Iniesta found himself the center of attention as Arsenal closed down its opponents at every opportunity.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
    Andres Iniesta found himself the center of attention as Arsenal closed down its opponents at every opportunity.