Messi free kick gives Barca victory

KIEV: Lionel Messi's superb free kick earned Barcelona a 2-1 victory against Dynamo Kiev and sent the European Champions into the first knockout round on Wednesday.

Messi struck four minutes from time as Barca finished top of Group F on 11 points, two ahead of Inter Milan. Kiev finished bottom with Rubin Kazan claiming the Europa League place.

"It was very important for us to finish first in the group and each player gave his best for a victory," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said.