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Messi wondergoal helps Barcelona to big victory

Lionel Messi scored two goals, including a spectacular solo effort, to help FC Barcelona beat Getafe 5-2 on Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Messi's first goal in the 29th minute was reminiscent of Diego Maradona's against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals.

The 19-year-old Argentina forward beat four opponents in a run from his own half before rounding Getafe goalkeeper Luis Garcia and scoring from a narrow angle.

Messi added another in the 45th when he evaded defender Alexis Ruano and sent a rising shot into the net to boost Barcelona's hopes of winning Spain's knockout competition for the first time since 1998.

Midfielder Xavi Hernandez also scored, and strikers Eidur Gudjohnsen and Samuel Eto'o added the others in a win which makes Barcelona favorites to reach the Copa del Rey final on June 23. The return leg is on May 9.

Getafe's goals by substitute Daniel Guiza and midfielder Nacho Perez arrived in a two-minute spell early in the second half.
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