Champions League

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Sep 19, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Barcelona
3-2
Spartak Moscow

Lionel Messi aims for Champions League triumph with Barcelona

By Subhankar Mondal, Reporter | 18 September 2012

Lionel Messi is keen on winning the Champions League this term with Barcelona after failing to progress beyond the semi-final stage last season.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is determined to win the Champions League this season.

The Blaugrana failed to progress beyond the semi-finals of Europe's premier club competition in 2011-12 as they lost 3-2 on aggregate to eventual champions Chelsea.

"In the Champions League we were very close," he told Uefa.com. "The elimination against Chelsea was a very close one and I missed that penalty against them.

"But this year we are ready to try again, we are ready to try [to win the Champions League].

"I don't think there are easy groups in the Champions League, I think the opponents are all complicated."

Barcelona have been drawn against Celtic, Benfica and Spartak Moscow in Group G, and Messi believes that they will find it tough against them all.

"It seems like some groups are more complicated than others, but it's all decided on the pitch," said the Argentine. "You have to play the matches first.

"We know from experience that every team can make it complicated for you. They are difficult games."

Barca will host Spartak in their opening Group G fixture at Camp Nou on Wednesday.