Messi inspired Barcelona thrashed Napoli 3-1 at Camp Nou

Lionel Messi heroics send Barcelona to quarter-finals of the Champions League, as Barcelona have defeated Napoli 3-1 at the Nou Camp.

Messi accepts pay-cut, to help Barcelona staff, hits at Board

Lionel Messi heroics send Barcelona to quarter-finals of the Champions League, as Barcelona have defeated Napoli 3-1 at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona have confirmed their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after thrashing Napoli 3-1 at home.

The Catalans found the breakthrough in the 10th minute with the help of a powerful header from Clement before captain Lionel Messi produced a spell-binding goal to double up the lead.

It was another night where Messi stood up to the occasion when his team wanted him. The Argentine also had a goal denied by VAR for a handball. 

The 33-year-old won the penalty at the stroke of the half-time, which Luis Suarez buried past David Ospina to give the Catalans an unassailable lead.

Napoli were too quick to respond as Lorenzo Insigne scored a penalty in the added minutes of the first half.

Barca often remained on the back foot for the majority of the second period, and it did pay dividends as they won the game comprehensively on 4-2 aggregate.

Besides Messi, Frenkie de Jong has had an impressive night, taking the responsibility on his shoulders in the absence of Sergio Busquets. Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet were robust in the defence.

Above all, Barca reserves player Mounchu made his first appearance for the senior team, coming in as a substitute for Antoine Griezmann in the dying minutes of the game.

On the other hand, Napoli had ambitions from the very beginning, but Barca proved too much for the Italians.

The victory marks the first one for Quique Setien in the Champions League since taking charge. Barca will face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in quarter-finals next week.