Messi calls Joe Hart phenomenal

Lionel Messi has praised City goalkeeper Joe Hart, calling him “phenomenal” after their Champions League victory over Manchester City.

The Barcelona attacker says Hart was “phenomenal” as he pulled off a string of fine saves to confine the Catalonians to a 1-0 second-leg win and a 3-1 score on aggregate.

Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal at the Nou Camp but Luis Suarez was seen praising Hart during the second half after he denied the Uruguayan with a superb stop late on.

And Barcelona’s players queued up to heap praise on Hart, who is set to be named in Roy Hodgson’s England squad on Thursday.

“He was phenomenal, he stopped everything. We have to congratulate him on a great game because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper,” said Messi.

“Hart was key to keeping them in it and was great in one-on-one situations. He was outstanding,” added Andres Iniesta.

“The score could have been a rout but Hart was incredible and we weren’t really on towards the end.

“We had a lot of chances, which is not normal in this type of game. We deserved to win by a bigger goal difference,” said Barca head coach Luis Enrique.