Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. Lionel Messi: Who Won at Camp Nou and Why?

Barcelona won the match, and the tie.

But who had the edge in the head-to-head duel between AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimović and Barcelona's Lionel Messi?

Ibrahimovic and Messi are two of the best strikers on the planet—Messi is undoubtedly the best right now—and what's more, they used to be teammates.

That fact made for some interesting viewing over two legs. Read on to find out who performed better.

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For Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimović played an integral role in the creation of Milan's only goal and he provided a threat for much of the match.

In the fourth minute, the tall Swede burst into the Barcelona box, created an opening for himself and prepared to shoot with his left foot. His plant foot knocked the ball away, however, and the chance passed.

Ibra made up for it in the 32nd minute, when he combined with Robinho to set up Antonio Nocerino for the equalizer.

First, Robinho worked himself free with a good bit of skill. Then, he picked out Ibrahimovic, who played in Nocerino onside to beat Victor Valdes easily.

Later in the half, Ibrahimović fired a free kick into the wall.

In the first minute of the second half, he tumbled in the box under Javier Mascherano's challenge. Referee Bjorn Kuipers did not award a penalty.

Ibra contributed another creative moment in the 73rd minute with a deft chip to Nocerino in space on the right flank. Nocerino crossed for Alberto Aquilani, but Barcelona cleared.

Verdict: Ibrahimovic created danger again, but he didn't have a chance as clear-cut as the one he had last week in the first half. Ibra could have won a penalty, and considering Barca were given two, the Swede has at least some cause to feel harshly treated by the ref.

Even though he didn't score in either leg, Ibrahimović created danger consistently. His movement off the ball and link-up play were strong.

For Messi

Messi was all over the place again, and not just because he scored two penalties.

I won't wade into the argument about those spot kicks here. The ref awarded the penalties and that's all we need to consider here.

Messi took both well. On the first, Christian Abbiati guessed the right way, but Mess placed his low shot in the side netting.

The second wasn't nearly as well-placed, but Messi sent Abbiati the wrong way.

Otherwise, Messi created numerous chances in both halves.

He created his first chance in the fifth minute by dribbling at the Milan defense. Two minutes later, Messi combined with Cesc Fabregas for a one-two in the box before shooting wide of the post.

Three more minutes later, Messi skinned Philippe Mexes and dribbled on goal before inexplicably pulling back for Xavi. Xavi then inexplicably pulled back another pass before the ball eventually came back to Messi in time to win the first penalty.

In the 25th minute, Messi tried a curled shot from just inside the box. It was saved.

After halftime, the Argentine set up Barca's third goal with another trademark dribble at the Milan defense. His shot was blocked, but the ball fell to Andres Iniesta, who stayed calm and finished coolly past Abbiati.

Later, in the 69th minute, Cesc lofted a long pass for Messi, who laid off for Thiago inside the box. Thiago dragged his shot wide of the near post.

Verdict: Messi scored twice, both from penalties. Whether or not they were deserved, Messi took both well. His decision-making and finishing weren't top-notch, but Messi again terrorized AC Milan's defense.

Verdict

Milan managed to create a few clear-cut chances at home in the first leg, but at Camp Nou, they really only created one chance—and they scored from it.

Ibrahimović was prominently involved in the buildup to the goal, but that's not enough to give him the edge over Messi.

Messi scored twice in the second leg, and even though neither came from open play, the little Argentine wizard was once again the best, most creative attacker on the pitch.

Milan and Ibrahimović will feel they were treated harshly by the ref. They may have a point, but that's a different article.

Regardless of the ref's performance, there was always going to be one winner in this tie—and in this head-to-head duel.

Verdict: Messi wins