Messi stars

Lionel Messi has struck twice and set up another goal as Barcelona thrashed Celta Vigo 5-0 to reach the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The 29-time Spanish Cup winners, who have lifted the trophy in each of the last three seasons, demolished their opponents 6-1 on aggregate. Messi scored the opening goal in the 13th minute at Camp Nou and repeated the trick two minutes later for the second. Messi turned provider for the third, with a spectacular curled through-ball for Alba which he fired past the helpless Sergio Alvarez. Earlier yesterday, Espanyol earned their place in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win at Levante to progress 2-1 on aggregate, while Sevilla beat Cadiz 2-1 for a 4-1 aggregate victory.