DHAKA: The Argentine magician is on the brink of becoming the all-time top scorer of Champions League after firing his side into the last-16.

Lionel Messi scored twice to equal Raul’s Champions League goals record and send Barcelona through to the knockout stages as they overcame Ajax 2-0 at the Amsterdam Arena, says goal.com.

Having been penned back for large spells by an impressive Ajax early on, Barca took the lead through Messi’s clever first-half header.

He took full advantage of sloppy play from goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to close in on the record and, with Paris Saint-Germain playing their part by earning 1-0 win over APOEL, Messi wrapped up the points and a top-two spot in Group F with a second - his 71st in the competition.

His close-range finish after 76 minutes was enough to end any comeback hopes for Ajax.

Frank de Boer’s side will now need to tie up third spot and Europa League participation if their continental journey is to continue into 2015, with all eyes now turning to when Messi will break the record, having also overtaken Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

BDST: 0846 HRS, NOV 06, 2014