Lionel Messi highlighted
his Champions League
final goals as the pick of
his record haul in the
competition after drawing
level with Raul's 71-goal
tally on Wednesday night.
The Argentina star scored twice in Barcelona's
2-0 victory at Ajax – a result which secured the
Catalans’ place in the knockout rounds.
The 27-year-old was initially reluctant to talk
about his personal achievement, preferring
instead to focus on the victory at the
Amsterdam ArenA, but eventually admitted his
efforts against Manchester United in the 2009
and 2011 finals had special significance.
Asked to pick out a favourite from the 71, he
told ESPN: “Choosing a goal? The goals in the
finals are the prettiest and those most
remembered.”
Messi headed Barca in front in the first half
against Ajax and made sure of the points with a
poacher’s effort 14 minutes from full-time.
"The most important thing was to get the three
points,” he added. “Now we have to keep
fighting with Paris Saint-Germain for the
leadership. We achieved the qualification and we
are happy.
"If you let Ajax play they move you from one
side to another. It was hard for us to push
because they played well, but we took
advantage of the opportunities we had."
The only slight blip on an otherwise perfect
night for Luis Enrique’s men was Luis Suarez’s
failure to get off the mark against his former
club.
The Uruguay international has not scored in his
three appearances for Barca after completing a
four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at
the World Cup.
Messi has no doubts, however, that his fellow
South American will come good.
"Luis Suarez is adapting to the philosophy of
the team. We are hoping he can help us and I'm
sure he will.”