Lionel Messi Reacts to 'Phenomenal' Joe Hart, Targets Barcelona Clasico Win

Lionel Messi hailed Joe Hart's performance during Barcelona's Champions League round-of-16 second-leg win over Manchester City as "phenomenal" despite the England 'keeper finishing up on the losing side.

Ivan Rakitic bagged the only goal of the night, pushing Barca through to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score. Hart made 10 saves, according to WhoScored.com, including a number of excellent one-on-one stops to prevent the scoreline becoming embarrassing for City.

Messi was halted by the Englishman's heroics on multiple occasions—adding to the penalty Hart saved during the first leg—but congratulated the 'keeper on his performance, reported by Barcelona's official website: "He was phenomenal, he stopped everything. We have to congratulate him on a great game because he's a fantastic goalkeeper."

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Both Messi and Hart deservedly received recognition as the encounter's top performers. Leo suggested that the change in attitude toward him since last season's poor form is difficult to understand, per AS: "A short while ago I was supposed to be a disaster. It's tricky to go from being a disaster to the best form of one's career."

Hart has experienced something similar in recent times after being dropped by Manuel Pellegrini last season. The Champions League's official Twitter account noted a season record for the 27-year-old stopper and posted an interview with the man himself:

Despite defeat and a terrific performance from Messi—who dictated proceedings from start to finish in front of his adoring fans—Hart's display didn't go unnoticed by the European press. Agence France-Presse writer Tom Williams highlighted L'Equipe's thoughts:

Henry Winter of The Telegraph tweeted coverage from Catalonia's Mundo Deportivo:

Match of the Day presenter and former Barca striker Gary Lineker praised his compatriot:

Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique, who has managed to get Barca firing ahead of El Clasico, also offered his thoughts, as tweeted by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

Barca's attention now turns toward the upcoming fixture with Real Madrid, an encounter that could see Enrique's men move four points clear of their rivals.

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Despite Los Blancos having won just one of their last three La Liga matches, Messi insists Barca are remaining focused, per the club's website:

"

We have a lot of respect for this game. They’re never in bad shape; they’re still dangerous, with impressive individual players and we need to respect more than ever. ... They are very strong and we have to play our game and, with the help of our fans, try to overcome them.

"

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Messi and co. will be hoping they don't come up against another roadblock in front of the opposition's goal.

Madrid 'keeper Iker Casillas has failed to show his best form over the last few seasons and was recently jeered after another disappointing performance. He needs to take inspiration from Hart if Madrid are to stand any chance when Sunday's match arrives.