Messi-less Barca advances despite draw with Inter

MILAN - Lionel Messi once again watched from the sidelines and Barcelona's attack struggled without him as the Spanish side drew 1-1 at Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, despite dominating for large periods of the match.

The result nevertheless meant Barcelona became the first side to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Messi traveled with the team to Milan but coach Ernesto Valverde opted not to risk the star forward, who hasn't played since fracturing his arm last month.