Messi hat-trick as Barca crush Celtic in Champions League debut

Updated: 2016-09-14 09:24

(Xinhua)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates with Neymar after scoring their second goal during a Champions League, Group C soccer match between Barcelona and Celtic, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sept 13, 2016.[Photo/VCG]

MADRID -- Leo Messi scored a hat-trick as FC Barcelona kicked off their Champions League campaign with a crushing 7-0 win at home to Scottish champions, Celtic.

Following Saturday's shock defeat at home to Alaves, Barca coach Luis Enrique was taking no risks and fielded arguably his strongest available side, with the exception of Andre Gomes who was in for Andres Iniesta.

Messi needed just three minutes to open his account after he took a pass from Neymar before smashing the ball home from a tight angle.

Barca were in total control, but Celtic should have been level after 24 minutes when Ter Stegen brought down Moussa Dembele who broke into the Barca area. The keeper then made up for his error by saving the French striker's spot kick and Messi made the save doubly important two minutes later when he took advantage of another pass from Neymar to stab the ball home from close range to make the score 2-0.