Messi magic puts Barca in control

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

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

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 the favorite 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.

Deportivo La Coruna and Sevilla play in the other semifinal series on Thursday.

Despite the absence of Ronaldinho, who is recovering from tonsillitis, Barcelona took only 18 minutes to take the lead against the team which boasts the best defensive record in this season's Spanish league.

Xavi, having run into the penalty area, received Messi's pass, performed a quick spin and prodded the ball home.

Messi's two goals led Barcelona supporters to chant his name as the teams left the field at halftime.

Making their first appearance in the last four of the competition, the visitors began to rally in the 58th when Guiza scored after Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera had parried Javi Casquero's shot.

Nacho then seized on a loose ball and scored Getafe's second goal with the aid of a deflection off defender Rafael Marquez.

Barcelona responded in the 63rd after Gudjohnsen scored after Marquez had met a corner with a glancing, backward header.

Eto'o sealed Barcelona's win with a low shot from Xavi's pass in the 74th, three minutes before Messi received another rousing reception when he was replaced by Javier Saviola.

Getafe had played once previously in the Copa del Rey at Camp Nou -- when it lost 8-0 in 1998.

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