The world's best player scored in the 22nd minute and on the stroke of half time before squandering the penalty five minutes from the hour mark.

He also dished out many assists throughout the match, including a delightful chipped pass that was headed home by Dani Alves in the dying minutes.

Sidney Govou put the Greek outfit ahead only two minutes before the Argentine wizard scored his first goal.

Messi latched onto a Xavi Hernandez through to go one-on-one with the keeper and bring the score level.

David Villa put the Catalans upfront from close range on 33 minutes.

Messi's second goal was tucked in style after he exchanged many passes with his teammates and penetrated the area.

Pedro Rodriguez netted Barcelona's fourth on 78 minutes with a follow-up point-blank effort, after Messi's low one hit both woodworks.

In the other Group D match, FC Kobenhavn beat Rubin Kazan 1-0 at home.