WEMBLEY, England — Barcelona and Lionel Messi put their places among soccer’s all-time greats beyond all doubt Saturday as the Argentina striker scored one goal and created another in a 3-1 Champions League final win over Manchester United.
Barcelona justified its status as overwhelming favorite by dominating possession with trademark one-touch passing. But with Wayne Rooney having equalized Pedro Rodriguez’s first-half goal, the Spanish champions could not force the crucial breakthrough until Messi conjured a 54th-minute solo strike from the edge of the area.
There seemed to be no space as Messi was tracked by fullback Patrice Evra, but the two-time world player hit a shot down the middle, beating goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
Messi followed his 53rd goal of a remarkable season with a feint and run that eventually led to David Villa receiving possession on the edge of the area, from where the Spanish striker curled a shot into the top corner.
A third Champions League title in six seasons means that only Liverpool, AC Milan and fierce rival Real Madrid have won more than Barcelona’s four.
“In my time as manager, it’s the best team I’ve faced,” Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said.
