Messi scores twice as Barcelona hammer Stuttgart to progress into quarterfinals of Champions League

FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi scored twice as the holders Barcelona annihilated Bundesliga side Stuttgart 4-0 in the their second leg encounter of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during their  UEFA Champions League match vs Stuttgart at the Camp Nou stadium  in Barcelona. Barca won 4-0.(AFP/Lluis Gene)

The champions were under fire after a 1-all draw in their first leg.

Messi set Barca on their way with a 13th-minute stunner, the Argentinean forward executed a trademark run before firing a spectacular left-footed strike into the top corner of from the edge of the box.

Messi turned creator nine minutes later. A superbly weighted pass sent Yaya Toure clear on the left and forward Pedro timed his run to perfection to sweep home the Ivory Coast midfielder's cross.

On the hour mark, Barca ended Stuttgart hopes. Petro broke through right side, squared back to Daniel Alves, who set up Messi. The striker found space before firing the ball home with a low shot, which beat Jens Lehmann.