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Messi makes light of record achievement

Although equalling the UEFA Champions League goal record was a "happy moment" for Lionel Messi, it was FC Barcelona's win at AFC Ajax that gave him most pleasure.

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his and Barcelona's second goal
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his and Barcelona's second goal ©AFP/Getty Images

Lionel Messi matches Raúl González's goal record with double at Ajax
Forward says "I'll remember all of them" after taking his tally to 71 goals
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique describes Messi as "the best I've seen"
Frank de Boer bemoans failure to build on early pressure
Next games: Paris v Ajax, APOEL v Barcelona (25 November)

Lionel Messi, Barcelona forward
It's a happy moment for me. I think it's great but the most important thing was to get the three points so that we will be able to qualify for the next round. We secured the points, therefore I'm happy.

I don't remember one goal especially. I always want to score and in the end it's the sum total of them all that I will remember. As I've always said, goals in finals are the best and most powerful memories.

We played against a team that play good football and they move around a lot. For some time we were under quite some pressure because we were falling back and not mobile enough. But we always believed in our chances and I was happy to score. Later we played against ten men, but I still think we played a good match.

I'm happy to play with [Luis Suárez and Neymar], they fit the philosophy of Barcelona. We're getting to know each other and of course Luis is a class striker and helps us a lot.

Messi joy on record-equalling night

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach
There was a big difference between the first and second halves. In the first half Ajax had the ball a lot and pushed us back but in the second we took control and played further away from our goal.

The most important thing is that the players can switch positions. We have good quality in our team. I also liked to change positions on that the pitch when I played. We have an excellent squad who can vary their game. Messi is absolutely the best player I've seen, as a player and as a coach.

The meaning of this win isn't special. It's good we won after losing twice, but we need to be focused. I have no doubts about my team.

Frank de Boer, Ajax coach 
I saw an Ajax I like to see – one I've seen for the last year – with a lot of pressure and good football, especially in the first half. It's a shame that we didn't score when we had the chances. In the first half we were the dominant team and it's a shame that we went into half-time losing 1-0.

Frank de Boer: We proved we can compete
Frank de Boer: We proved we can compete©AFP/Getty Images

We proved we can compete at the highest level. The players showed guts and that's what it's all about. We put up the pressure, and when something went wrong, another player stood up to correct it. It's just a shame we couldn't reward that with a goal. I even saw some tiki-taka football from my side. But after the red card the game was finished, and we had to take care not to get completely overrun.

We've tried to compete to survive in the group stage for as long as possible, but being in a group with two teams who are among the favourites to win the competition makes it tough.

Davy Klaassen, Ajax midfielder
We didn't make much of an impression in the opening few minutes but after that there were spells in the game in which we were clearly better. We had a couple of half-chances to score, and we can be happy with our first-half performance. After the break it was disappointing for us.

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