SportBook Service | Antonio Conte insists Chelsea were unlucky but hailed Lionel Messis magic show after Barcelona dump

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte hailed the magic of Lionel Messi but insisted his side were unlucky to lose 3-0 in Barcelona.

The Blues were dumped out of the Champions League thanks to a brace from the Argentinian and Ousmane Dembeles first goal for the Catalans.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte embraced Lionel Messi after the final whistleCredit: EPA

Antonio Conte says Chelsea were 'unlucky' against BarcelonaCredit: AFP

That setback ensured a 4-1 aggregate defeat and leaves Chelsea needing a top four Premier League finish in order to reach Europes showpiece competition again next season.

But the defiant Conte was still pleased with his sides performance as he acknowledged Messi had been the the difference between the two teams.

The Italian said: "We have no regrets. If you watch the game, you can see the final result is unfair.

"We are talking about the best player in the world.

"He scores 60 goals every season - he is a super top player.

Two goals from Lionel Messi dumped the Blues out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

Conte insisted that the 3-0 defeat was 'unfair' and that Chelsea were 'unlucky'Credit: Rex Features

Barcelona were very clinical tonight."

Chelsea took the lead in the tie thanks to Willians first leg strike.

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And they came close to adding to their tally over the two matches as they hit the woodwork on four occasions.

N'Golo Kante and Marcos Alonso both narrowly went close last night, before Antonio Rudiger hit the bar in the dying stages.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte can only laugh at how good Lionel Messi is

Conte added: "We didn't deserve to lose 3-0.

"We were a bit unlucky.

"I think we created many chances but we didn't take them.

"I must be very proud about my players.

They gave everything and we have to continue in this way, with this will to fight and desire to fight together."

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Leicester for their FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was nutmegged twice by Messi at the Nou Camp.

Embarrassed Courtois admitted: I didnt close my legs so that was a mistake on my part. I didnt expect Messi to shoot from there.

I have conceded goals from him before. I think a goalkeeper like me, at two metres tall, its my weakest part to go through my legs.

It is annoying but I have to be a man about it, take responsibility and move on.

I made some good saves as well, but its unlucky to go out to four goals where we made four mistakes.

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