01 May WATCH | Messi scores stunner as Barcelona see off Liverpool

Barcelona has brushed aside Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

The Spanish giants won 3-0 at the Camp Nou to give themselves every chance of qualifying for the final where they would be chasing their sixth Champions League title.

The brilliant Lionel Messi scored a pair of goals in the second half – including an absolutely stunning free-kick – after former Reds ace Luis Suarez opened the scoring on 26 minutes.

Before he celebrated raucously against his old club.

Yep, he celebrated.

Luis Suarez puts Barcelona ahead against his former club, and the Camp Nou erupts.#UCL #BARLIV #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/eTnQ52L17E

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 1, 2019

Liverpool were up to it during the opening 45 minutes, enjoying 50% possession, before they came out firing after the break.

James Milner and Mo Salah had great scoring chances only to see Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen equal to the task.

Very sharp from Marc-Andre ter Stegen to deny James Milner shortly after the break.#UCL #BARLIV #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/bLJOQEaoja

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 1, 2019

Another brilliant save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen, this time denying Mo Salah.

Liverpool are firing early on in the second-half.

Barcelona 1-0 Liverpool after 56 minutes.#UCL #BARLIV #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/JRE7njqs1B

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 1, 2019

The Reds’ inability to capitalise cost them dearly when Messi expertly topped home the crossbar deflection of a Suarez effort.

Of course Leo Messi scored.

He adds Barcelona's second against Liverpool.#UCL #BARLIV #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/LnXTaRwJqs

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 1, 2019

And in the 82nd minute, Messi scored his 600th goal for Barcelona in astonishing fashion.

Two words: Leo Messi.

His 600th goal for Barcelona.

Incredible.#UCL #BARLIV #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/PVuH2rY7a6

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 1, 2019

Barcelona will now head to Anfield for the second leg on Wednesday morning (AEST), May 8 with Liverpool in need of a minor miracle to overcome the three-goal deficit.