Barcelona striker Lionel Messi arrived as the star, only to be outshone at the end

01 April 2010 00:37
He arrived at the Emirates Stadium as the most feared striker on the planet, with eight goals in his last five games, and, although Lionel Messi didn't find the net against Arsenal, his mere presence was enough to have the Gunners defence all at sea for long periods.[LNB] Silky skills: Lionel Messi takes on Thomas Vermaelen at the Emirate[LNB]The Argentina winger was involved in most of the good work as the champions of Spain overwhelmed Arsene Wenger's men in the early stages but as the game reached the business end Messi was subdued.[LNB] Heads up: Messi and Vermaelen do battle during a dramatic Champions League clash[LNB]He had a chance to put the tie beyond Arsenal midway through the second half, when he raced past Emmanuel Eboue into the box but was denied by a smart block from goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.[LNB] Messi: Aiming to repeat last year's Champions League triumph with Barcelona[LNB] All Arsenal supporters will be hoping the Argentine star has a quiet night at the Nou Camp next Tuesday, as they bid for an unlikely triumph and a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.[LNB] Battle Royale: Alex Song challenges Messi during a first leg full of incident[LNB]  Martin Samuel: Arsenal must give Theo Walcott a run if they are to stand a chance of an upset in Nou CampCesc Fabregas broken leg fear: Arsenal midfielder set to miss title run-in and World Cup Arsenal 2 Barcelona 2: Gunners storm back to earn dramatic draw after brilliant Barca threaten to run riotArsenal 2 Barcelona 2: All the action as it happened[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail