WEMBLEY, England (AP) — Lionel Messi scored one goal and created another, leading Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United and a third Champions League title in six years.
Barcelona ominated play at Wembley on Saturday with trademark passing, but needed the Argentine striker to conjure a 54th-minute solo strike from the edge of the penalty area to take the lead for the second time.
Messi followed his 53rd goal of a remarkable season with a fake and run that led to David Villa taking possession on the edge of the area. From there, he curled a shot into the top corner of the net.
Wayne Rooney offset Pedro Rodriguez’s opening goal before halftime.
Barcelona’s victory was as convincing as its 2-0 win over United in the 2009 final.
