TOKYO, JAPAN (BDCi) – – Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead Spanish club team Barcelona to an easy 4-0 win over Brazilian club Santos in the FIFA Club World Cup. It was the second straight year Barcelona has won the title, and they were able to do it without their other star striker David Villa who broke his shinbone in the semi-finals against Qatar club Al-Sadd.
Messi scored in minutes 16 and 82 with the latter goal on an assist from Brazilian teammate Dani Alves. The other two goals were scored in minutes 23 by Xavi and 44 by Cesc Fabregas.
While Barcelona took 14 shots on goal, their defense only allowed 6 by Santos who were clearly outmatched. Santos striker Neymar was impressed by Barcelona’s dominance.
“It’s impossible to stop Barcelona, but we are the second-best team in the world and for us that is a great reward,” Neymar said.
6 out of the 7 clubs in the tournament won their continent’s club tournaments. The host country adds the final team.
Barcelona qualified when they beat Manchester City in May of this year in the UEFA Champions’ League. Santos qualified when they beat Uruguay’s club team Penarol 2-1 in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores in June 2011.
By Don Weinstein Source: ESPN and FIFA Photo courtesy of FIFA 18 December 18, 2011
10:13 p.m. P.S.T.