Lionel Messi hails "great result" for Barcelona

Barcelona picked up a "great result" from the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 tie away at Arsenal this evening, according to Lionel Messi.

The Argentine talisman scored both of his side's goals in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, which has left them in a strong position ahead of the return meeting in Catalonia next month.

Speaking to UEFA's official website after the final whistle, Messi said: "It was a great performance from us, we got a good result against a very good team with really good players.

"The first half was very tough, they were strong but in the second half we knew they were not going to be able to keep up the pressure.

"It's a great result away from home and a very important result, but the second leg is still to come."

Messi has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season.