Arsenal lost rhythm at the 2nd half - Messi

The Argentine put the hoodoo against Petr Cech behind him to score both goals in north London, but he still believes the Gunners can challenge in the second leg

Lionel Messi insists Barcelona still have work to do to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League despite their 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Argentine scored twice in the second half to put the Catalans in control of the tie ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou, opening the scoring after latching onto Neymar's pass before sending the second past Petr Cech from the penalty spot.

Speaking after the game, Messi credited his side for a great result but insisted there was still a long way to go in the last 16 clash.

"The tie isn't over," he told TV3 . "We know what sort of things Arsenal are capable of and nothing is decided despite the fact we achieved a great result with two goals as visitors."

Messi's two goals also broke an eight-game drought against Cech, a fact which pleased the Argentina captain.

"Luckily it happened today. But above all the fact we played a great game and got a big result, against a very good team, is the most important thing," he said.

"[Arsenal] marked very hard because they are very strong players. But we knew in the second half they would slow down, it is difficult to keep up such a high rhythm.

"And that is how it went. We had more space, which is how we prefer to play. We broke away several times, the first goal arrived and then the game opened up."

Source: goal.com