Lionel Messi was fit enough to come off the substitutes bench and score a goal as Barcelona defeated Mexican side Atlante 3-1 to reach the final of the Club World Cup.
Things did not start well for the Catalans with Guillermo Rojas latching onto a ball which split the Barca back line, before lofting the ball over Valdes for an early lead. Barcelona maintained a high level of possession throughout the first half, and eventually were able to equalise through Sergio Busquets who lashed in from a set piece.
Pep Guardiola introduced the Argentine Messi after 52 minutes, and the decision paid dividends as he scored a goal shortly after his arrival. A perfect through ball from Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Messi through on goal, and he was able to go round the goalkeeper and slot into the goal to put the Blaugrana in the lead.
Pedro was able to add a third goal as Barcelona ran out comfortable winners. They will face the Copa Libertaores winners – the Argentinian Estudiantes – in Sundays final.
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