Barcelona 3-1 AC Milan (3-1 agg) Full Goals & Highlights

Lionel Messi was Barcelona's hero yet again as his two first-half penalties sealed a Champions League quarter-final win over AC Milan.

Messi, 24, moved into third on the list of all-time goalscorers in the competition as Barca set up a last-four place against Benfica or Chelsea.

Milan were briefly level when midfielder Antonio Nocerino steered in Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass.

But they had no answer after the break with Andres Iniesta adding a third.

No side has ever retained the trophy in the Champions League era but Pep Guardiola's side must be outstanding favourites to achieve the feat in Munich on 19 May.

Messi inspired them to beat Manchester United in last year's final at Wembley, and the Argentine's incredible goalscoring form could steer the club to another title this year.

Barely a week seems to go by without Messi adding another record to his collection, and he quickly chalked up two more to his ever-growing list of personal achievements with his 57th and 58th goals of a remarkable season.But the Italians failed to build on that goal and Barcelona were back ahead before the break as Alessandro Nesta gave away another cheap penalty.

The vastly experienced defender needlessly grabbed hold of Sergio Busquets inside the area, and Messi struck the ball into the opposite corner.

Messi was instrumental in the third goal as well, and when his low shot struck Mexes to land at Iniesta's feet, the midfielder calmly took a touch before rifling past Christian Abbiati.

That goal crushed Milan's spirit, and the match desended into an exhibition as Barca booked their place in the semi-finals for a fifth successive year.

With Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid still in the mix and a potent Bayern Munich side looking to win the cup on their own ground, Barcelona still face several considerable hurdles before they can lift the trophy again, but Guardiola's men undoubtedly remain the side to beat.