Lionel Messi should not be blamed for Barcelona's Champions League defeat to Chelsea, says Pep Guardiola Fernando Torres' last-gasp equaliser, which came as Barca swarmed forward, desperately in search of the goal that would seal the tie, shattered the Catalans' hopes of reaching a third final in four seasons. Guardiola, however, issued a vociferous defence of Messi, who has now failed to score in eight games against Chelsea. "We've gotten to where we are today thanks to this kid," Guardiola said. More than ever I want to thank him for what he's done for us. My admiration for him knows no limits. He's daring, he's brave, he plays fantastic in different conditions. We played in Pamplona and it was 10 below zero - very cold - and he wanted to play and win the game. He's an example for all of us. His competitiveness, how he pushes us all to be better. I've got no doubt that he's going to experience a few difficult hours now because he's a competitive guy but this is what is beautiful about football. Sometimes you smile and sometimes it's your turn to be sad.