Two goals from Lionel Messi have given Barcelona a 2-0 win at Cordoba in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie.

The Argentine struck either side of half time at the Nuevo Arcangel as the Segunda Division side made life uncomfortable for the Catalan giants.

© AP Photos

The visitors took the lead with just 11 minutes on the clock as Messi rounded Cordoba goalkeeper Mikel Saizar before seeing his effort go in off the crossbar.

The home side thought that they had got themselves level soon after, but Fede Vico was correctly flagged for offside after converting at the back post.

Pedro had a glorious chance to double Barca's advantage at the start of the second half, only to blaze his volley over the bar with just the keeper to beat.

Messi eventually made it 2-0 in the 74th minute when he tapped in from close range following substitute Alexis Sanchez's low cross.