Messi exchanges passes with Pedro and his movement unsettles the Arsenal defence before Koscielny puts the ball out for a corner.

Messi brings down Fabregas, committing a foul in midfield as Arsenal try to break.

Soon after, Messi bursts forward but Koscielny again reads the danger and positions himself well to stop the attack.

Messi takes a superb first touch to steal the ball from Fabregas and set up Pedro, whose curling shot flies just over the bar.

Messi slaloms past Djourou and Koscielny, but Djourou recovers just in time to block before Messi can shoot.

Messi is tripped by Diaby right on the edge of the box, but despite being perfectly placed the referee waves play on and denies Barcelona a penalty.

Messi tiptoes through the defence again, but Djourou uses his strength to shoulder him off the ball before he can get a shot away.

Messi takes a direct free-kick but drives his effort straight into the Arsenal wall.

Messi threads a precise through ball to Abidal storming through the middle, but the defender hesitates and fails to make the most of the chance.

Iniesta releases Messi in space on the right; Messi cuts inside past Clichy but his shot is straight at Almunia for a comfortable save.

After Fabregas gifts the ball away on the edge of his own box, Iniesta slides a pass to Messi, who delicately lifts it over Almunia with one touch and volleys in with the next for a stunning finish.

Barcelona break at speed with Messi carrying the ball, launching a dangerous counter after Diaby evades several midfielders.

Messi gets a shooting chance but Djourou throws himself in the way to make a vital block and keep the effort from reaching goal.

Messi sneaks into space at the back post but is penalised after the referee spots him controlling the ball with his arm.

Messi calmly steps up to the spot and sends his penalty past Almunia, doubling Barcelona’s lead.

Messi fouls Koscielny, who tumbles into Villa as he falls, and the referee awards Arsenal a free-kick.

Cutting in from the right, Messi unleashes a low drive but Almunia gets down smartly to make a strong save.

Messi again tests Almunia with a powerful effort, but the Arsenal keeper produces another excellent stop to deny him.

After a slick one-two between Messi and Iniesta, Afellay looks set to score, but Almunia rushes out to frustrate Barcelona yet again.

In stoppage time Messi slows to walking pace, keeping the ball and calmly running down the clock as Barcelona see out the win.