Messi needed seven games against Petr Cech to finally score a goal while facing the Czech goalkeeper. The Argentinean striker scored his first goal of the evening after smoothly finishing a thunderous counter attack started by Luis Suárez, and ended up adding another goal to his tally from the penalty kick spot.
Messi's timing to score his first goals against the former Chelsea shot-stopper couldn't have been more perfect, as Los Blaugranas had lost a bit of their dominance against Arsenal when the first shot hit the back of the net.
"La Pulga" has dominated Arsenal in their most recent meetings, scoring eight goals against the Gunners in the last four matches between them.
Of course, fans, former footballers and experts had their say about Messi's antics against Arsenal. Here are some of their comments below.
BREAKING! Messi has finally done it! Barcelona are 1-0 up!
Posted by LiveSoccerTV.com on Martes, 23 de febrero de 2016
8 - Lionel Messi now has eight #UCL goals vs Arsenal – only against AC Milan (8) has he scored as often. Ruthless. #AFCvFCB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2016
Messi has finally scored against @PetrCech pic.twitter.com/K2e5QLJK7N
— A D I L (@Barzaboy) February 23, 2016
It's okay Arsenal fans. You still have vines of Ozil and Sanchez dispossessing Messi.
— John (@TheChelseaTalk) February 23, 2016
One of the reasons Cech had never conceded a goal from Messi was because he had the likes of Terry playing in front of him.
— Cesc~ (@BlueTweets10) February 23, 2016
Time slows down around Messi. Everyone else is in a rush, he takes a moment in the box and makes the finish so much easier for himself.
— Jen Evelyn (@JenFCB) February 23, 2016
The pace in the counter attack by Barca.. That man Messi once again
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) February 23, 2016
Three certainties in life:
— Pie Sports Booze (@piesportsbooze) February 23, 2016
1) Death
2) Taxes
3) Messi scoring
Messi's first touch there is outrageous. Anyone else shoots first time, but he wrong foots Cech for the finish. Amazing.
— Andy Murray (@Andy_MurrayFFT) February 23, 2016
". . . . but at least it was Messi and not Midtjylland"
— FIFACareerGems (@FIFACareerGems) February 23, 2016
Goals in 2016:
— Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) February 23, 2016
Messi: 16 goals
ENTIRE Arsenal squad: 13 goals#TheDifference pic.twitter.com/qjey4zOnYX
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