Lionel Messi struck a brace as Barcelona beat Liverpool 3-0 in a Champions League semi-final first leg tie at the Nou Camp.

The game had a quick start with both teams threatening early.

Luis Suarez gave Barcelona the lead in the 26th minute when he got to the end of Jordi Alba well engineered pass. Barcelona when into the half-time break carrying their 1-0 lead.

Liverpool pressed for the equaliser in the second half but it was Barca that doubled the lead against the run of play. Messi taped home from close range after Suarez hit the bar to give the home side the lead.

The Argentinian then capped the win with spectacular curling a free-kick into the top corner beating Liverpool keeper Alisson.

The strike was Messi’s 600th goal for Barcelona.

In the 84th minute Liverpool could have pulled a goal back but Salah could only strike the post.  Ousmane Dembélé missed two chances late on to add to Barcelona’s lead as they finished the game with a comfortable 3-0 lead ahead of the 2nd leg at Anfield.