Lionel Messi scored his 53rd goal in all competitions this season, as Barcelona won its third Champions League crown in the last six years with a dominating 3-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Pedro and David Villa also scored for Barcelona, which also defeated United in the 2009 final. Barca beat Arsenal in the 2006 final and has won four European titles in its history.

Wayne Rooney scored for United, which fell short of its fourth European title. The English club was in the final for the third time in the last four seasons, but its lone win was in 2008 against Chelsea.

Barcelona was rewarded for an extended spell of possession in the 27th minute, as Andres Iniesta played a long ball through midfield to Xavi, who flicked a pass off to the right with the outside of his foot to find Pedro.

Pedro was wide open and he slotted inside the right post before United center back Nemanja Vidic could close the space, leaving goalie Edwin van der Sar no chance.

Although United struggled after a good opening few minutes, it pulled the goal back just seven minutes later when Rooney and Ryan Giggs combined to level the match. Rooney found Giggs just inside the area, and despite a hint of offside, he dropped the ball back to Rooney in space.