As is often the case when it comes to Messi, the legendary Argentine was the star of the game when their Premier League opponents visited the Camp Nou 14 years ago today (April 6). He netted all four goals in a 4-1 victory, securing a 6-3 aggregate triumph in the quarter-finals.
Messi revealed post-match that a Gunners star came up to him and said it was an "honour" playing on the same ground as him, hailing the respectful attitude of English teams towards European games. He didn't, however, mention the name of the particular player.
At that time, Messi was aiming to secure his third Champions League title, coming off from scoring a goal in the previous year's final against Manchester United.
And although Barcelona bowed out in the semi-finals of the 2009-10 season to Inter Milan, they bounced back the following season by defeating United in another unforgettable performance at Wembley.
In an old interview with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, he praised Lionel Messi as a "PlayStation" player after his four fantastic goals against Arsenal. Wenger expected that Messi would become something "unbelievable" - a prediction which has undoubtedly come true.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates against Arsenal
Messi explained how an Arsenal player had called it an "honour" to face him (Image: Getty Images)
Wenger said: "He's like a PlayStation. I think he can take advantage of every mistake you make. Barcelona are a very good side but of course they have Messi who can make the difference at any moment in the game.
"He is very young but he can achieve a lot. There are not many players who can score four goals like he did. He has six or seven great years ahead of him and he can become unbelievable. Touch wood nothing happens to him."
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