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On This Day in 2010 – Lionel Messi masterclass dumps Arsenal out of Europe

Lionel Messi scored all four goals as Barcelona eliminated Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 4-1 win at the Nou Camp on this day in 2010.

Messi lived up to his billing as the best player in the world to end Arsenal’s European dreams as Barca ran out 6-3 winners on aggregate.

Nicklas Bendtner had stunned the Spaniards with an 18th-minute opener to put Arsenal ahead in the tie, but Messi quickly replied with a superb drive.

Soccer – UEFA Champions League – Quarter Final – Second Leg – Barcelona v Arsenal – Nou Camp
A Messi masterclass sent Arsenal packing (Nick Potts/PA)

Pedro teed the Argentina superstar up for his second goal and a classy lob completed a stylish first-half hat-trick.

Messi put the seal on Barcelona’s emphatic victory with a late solo strike for his fourth.

Lionel Messi holds the match ball after his star showing against Arsenal
Lionel Messi holds the match ball after his star showing against Arsenal (Nick Potts/PA)

The win set up a semi-final meeting with Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, who produced a shock when they progressed 3-2 on aggregate and went on to beat Bayern Munich in the final.

Arsenal ended the Premier League campaign in third position, 11 points behind champions Chelsea.