He makes the difference in every game – Iniesta hails Messi

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta hailed Lionel Messi after the superstar helped the Liga giants past Chelsea and into the Champions League quarter-finals.

Messi brought up his 100th goal in Europe’s premier club competition with a brace in the 3-0 second-leg win at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

The Argentina star also set up Ousmane Dembele as Barca sealed a 4-1 aggregate win to move into the last eight.

Iniesta, who came off before the hour-mark after starting despite a hamstring concern, lauded Messi for his latest masterclass.

“It’s what we always talk about. Leo makes the difference in every game. It’s a blessing,” he told beIN SPORTS.

“I hope we can get closer to this Champions League. We’ve taken another step.”

#Messi #UCL pic.twitter.com/pSlVGGgx1K

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 14, 2018

The win saw Barca reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the 11th consecutive season – the longest run in the competition’s history.

11 – Barcelona have reached the quarter-finals for the 11th consecutive season, the longest run in the history of the Champions League. Infallible. pic.twitter.com/8sNKNJa1B8

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 14, 2018

Iniesta believes Ernesto Valverde’s men are capable of capturing the trophy for a sixth time – and first since 2015 – this season.

“It’s always a motivation to win the Champions League but it’s always complicated. A bad game leaves you out,” he said.

“The challenge is to minimise the mistakes because I think we have the team and the form to win it.”