'The Champions League is dessert'

Mauricio Pochettino admitted Tottenham had only themselves to blame for Lionel Messi's mesmerising masterclass in Barcelona's 4-2 Champions League win at Wembley.

Pochettino's side found it impossible to subdue Messi as Barcelona ended their three-match winless streak in emphatic style.

The Spanish champions punished a howler from Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to take a second minute lead through Philippe Coutinho. Ivan Rakitic volleyed a stunning second goal for Barcelona before Harry Kane reduced the deficit after the break.

That set the stage for Messi to seize the spotlight once again as he netted twice either side of Erik Lamela's deflected effort for Tottenham.

Messi, who has netted five times in the competition this season, is hungry for a fifth Champions League crown -- but he wants even more than that.

"The Champions League is the dessert for everyone, but to get it you have to be good in the league and cup," he told Movistar.

"You have to be good in the league to be well in the Champions League. We will not leave aside any competition. The Champions League is special but we will fight for the league and cup."

Messi hailed his team's display, particularly in the first half, saying: "We were aware that with the results we had brought, there were doubts. It's never easy to play as a visitor in the Champions League and less against a team like Tottenham."

Messi's brace was just reward for an irresistible display from the Argentina legend.

"Messi doesn't surprise me. He's a fantastic player. The most important (thing) is Messi shows in every game why he is Messi," said Pochettino. "His average performance is this type of game. He's always above everything.

"We conceded the first goal and it is very difficult because that sets the game. We paid for that," Pochettino said. "We had to give spaces when we were looking for a result. What happens is players like him can finish you off.

"After 45 minutes we didn't concede one chance to Messi. Of course in the second half when it's 2-0 and you give more space, it's so difficult to stop this type of player.

"He is the best in the world. With a lot of space it is unbelievable how he runs and dribbles. In the second half he was decisive. He's got that capacity and hunger for scoring."

Tottenham's hopes of qualifying for the last 16 from Group B are now in grave danger after two successive defeats. Meanwhile, the win came as welcome relief for Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde after three La Liga games without a win, including a shock loss to lowly Leganes.