07 Apr 2010 – 07:51:58

Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola hailed the stunning performance of four-goal Lionel Messi after seeing his side sweep aside Arsenal to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Messi tore the Gunners apart in the Camp Nou, as Barca won the second leg of their quarter-final tie 4-1 to seal a 6-3 aggregate success.

Guardiola told Sky Sports: “There was danger at 1-0, but suddenly Messi scored the first goal and we played better. He played very well and the rest of the team played very well over the two games.

“Messi was on fire tonight – so decisive. He demonstrated what a star he is.

“We are so happy because we are in the semi-final and we have eliminated one of the best teams in Europe in Arsenal.

“Last year we were lucky to win the Champions League and to arrive in the semi-final for the second year means people will talk more about my players.”