ROME (AP) - A rare headed goal by Lionel Messi helped Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final on Wednesday, giving the Spanish side its third European Cup title and third trophy in a magical season.
Samuel Eto'o put the Spanish champions ahead in the 10th minute and Messi's 70th-minute goal - his ninth in the Champions League this season - sealed the victory over the defending champions at the Stadio Olimpico.
The triumph completed a sweep of titles for 38-year-old Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola in his first season, after wins in the Spanish league and cup. The former Barcelona star, who started as a ball boy at Camp Nou, now joins the ranks of those who have won the title both as a player and a coach.
Guardiola became the youngest coach to win European soccer's top club competition since the European Cup became the Champions League in 1993. Barcelona also won the trophy in 1992 and 2006.
"No team has ever done the treble in Spain, and we'll be remembered as the first team to do it," Barcelona striker Thierry Henry said. "That's amazing."
The Champions League trophy is displayed ahead of the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United and FC Barcelona on May 27, 2009 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.
Spectators wearing jerseys of Manchester United's Ronaldo (L) and FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi wait for the start of the UEFA Champions League final.
Manchester United's supporters sing and dance ahead of the start of the UEFA Champions League final.
FC Barcelona's supporters sing and dance ahead of the start of the UEFA Champions League final.
Manchester United's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) fights for the ball with Barcelona captain and defender Carles Puyol (R) and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure.
Barcelona's Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto'o (L) fights for the ball with Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra.
Supporters of Barcelona celebrate on the streets of the Spanish city after the team beat Manchester United to win the Champions League trophy in Rome on 27 May 2009.
Very sad moments for Manchester Fans specially me.
