Messi scores 2 to lead Barcelona past AC Milan

Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi, from Argentina, gestures during the Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

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The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, March 12, 2013 5:54PM EDT
Last Updated Tuesday, March 12, 2013 5:55PM EDT

BARCELONA, Spain - Lionel Messi scored a brilliant brace to help Barcelona to a 4-0 victory over AC Milan and complete a historic comeback to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Barcelona won 4-2 on aggregate after a spectacular second leg in the last 16, entering the record books as the first team to rescue a 2-0 first-leg loss without having scored an away goal.

Messi struck twice in the first half and David Villa scored Barcelona's decisive third goal in the 55th minute before Jordi Alba made it 4-0 on the break in stoppage time.