The Barcelona talisman had not scored in his career against the Blues but finally broke his duck to tie up the score in the Champions League tie

It took him nine games, but Lionel Messi has finally broken through against Chelsea.

The Barcelona talisman scored his first career goal against the Blues in a big moment, finding the net in the 75th minute to level the scoreline at 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and cancel out Willian's earlier strike.  

He was the benefactor of a bad giveaway by Chelsea at the edge of their own area, which was pounced on by Andres Iniesta. The playmaker pulled it back for Messi who did not miss the opportunity and netted Barcelona a crucial away goal.

The game ultimately finished 1-1, with Barcelona having the opportunity to take advantage in the second leg at the Camp Nou on March 14. 

Chelsea had been one of the 12 teams that the Barcelona star had faced in his career without scoring against, and one of two remaining in the current Champions League.

Messi's duck against the Blues was not for lack of trying as the goal came on the 30th shot Messi had taken against them in his career. 

The equalizer was Messi's 18th goal against English opposition in the Champions League, by far the most of any player. Rival Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 11. 

 

30 - Lionel Messi has scored his first-ever goal against Chelsea in nine appearances, netting with his 30th shot against them. Finally. #CHEBAR

The goal also means Messi has now scored in 61 of his 122 Champions League contests.

Messi could in take his list of teams he has not scored against down to 10 later this week, should he find the back of the net against La Liga side Girona. 

And should Barcelona advance past Chelsea, Messi may get another chance to knock a team off that list. Liverpool is one of that group, and look likely to be in the Champions League quarter-final round after 5-0 first leg win against Porto.