Messi scores two goals in Copa del Ray win against Celta Vigo
By Zhang Yang
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Last week Barcelona settled for a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in the opening leg of their Round of 16 showdown in the Copa del Rey. But on Thursday, Lionel Messi scored twice in a 5-0 victory to help Barcelona reach the quarter-finals.
After their listless draw at Celta Vigo’s Balaidos Stadium, La Liga’s leaders looked much more comfortable at the Nou Camp. Messi worked well with Jordi Alba to smooth Barcelona’s way to the first goal of the evening.
Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Andre Gomes celebrate a goal. /‍ VCG Photo

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Andre Gomes celebrate a goal. /‍ VCG Photo

In the 13th minute, Messi poked in a low cross from Jordi Alba. Celta’s goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez desperately tried to stop the ball, only to watch it roll into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
Messi then continued to demonstrate his understanding with Alba. In the 15th and 28th minutes, they assisted each other on goals, putting Barca in front 3-0.
Luis Suarez extended the lead to 4-0 just three minutes after Alba’s goal, as the Uruguayan capitalized on a sloppy back pass.
Late in the second half, Ousmane Dembele took a well-placed corner kick, before Ivan Rakitic headed it in when he was left unmarked.
Lionel Messi in action. / VCG Photo

Lionel Messi in action. / VCG Photo

The Catalans progressed to the quarter-finals 6-1 on aggregate. Sevilla also progressed, as their 2-1 win over local rivals Cadiz made their tally 4-1 overall. Espanyol advanced as well, with a 2-0 victory over Levante lifting them 3-2 on aggregate.
After scoring twice against Celta, Messi has 46 goals in the Copa del Rey in his career. That moves him into the ranks of the top 10 scorers in the tournament’s history. He has also been the Copa del Rey’s top scorer in four different seasons.