Champions League: Lionel Messi strikes as Barcelona beats Arsenal

    James Masters, CNN

    Updated 1055 GMT (1855 HKT) February 24, 2016

    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'.
    Hide Caption
    1 of 8
    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.
    Hide Caption
    2 of 8
    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.
    Hide Caption
    3 of 8
    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.
    Hide Caption
    4 of 8
    Alexis Sanchez, once of Barcelona, tried to get his side going as an attacking force but was left frustrated. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wasted Arsenal's best effort in the first half.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
    Alexis Sanchez, once of Barcelona, tried to get his side going as an attacking force but was left frustrated. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wasted Arsenal's best effort in the first half.
    Hide Caption
    5 of 8
    Messi, who was kept quiet in the first half, grew into the game as Barcelona stepped up the pressure after the interval.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
    Messi, who was kept quiet in the first half, grew into the game as Barcelona stepped up the pressure after the interval.
    Hide Caption
    6 of 8
    The five-time world player of the year began to find more and more space as Arsenal struggled to contain its opponent.
    Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal