<text>  After leading Barcelona to Champions League victory against Manchester City at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night Lionel Messi hit back at those that criticised him earlier in the season before celebrating Spanish Fathers Day with his family. The Argentina internationals girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo posted a picture to her Instagram account on Thursday morning wishing him Happy Fathers Day. Roccuzzo and two-year-old son Thiago each planted a kiss on Messis cheek as the trio posed for a family selfie to mark the occasion. Lionel Messi poses for a family selfie on Thursday to celebrate Spanish Fathers Day . Messi taunts the Man City defence on the edge of the penalty area during a classy performance . The night before Messi had produced another stunning performance and brilliantly set up Ivan Rakitic to score the only goal of the game as Barca reached the Champions League quarter-final for a record eighth consecutive season. Earlier in the season, however, Messi was subjected to intense scrutiny as he and Barcelona struggled for form. He was beaten to the Ballon dOr trophy by Cristiano Ronaldo as rumours of transfer surfaced. But any concerns that Messis star was fading have well and truly been dispelled since the turn of the year and, after the City game, he was quick to remind his detractors of the criticism he received. Messi joins in the celebrations with Rakitic and Luis Suarez of Barcelonas first-half goal at the Nou Camp . Messi tries to take the ball around the onrushing Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart who makes the save . A short while ago I was supposed to be a disaster, its tricky to go from being a disaster to the best form of ones career, Messi told Canal after the game. During Wednesdays last-16 second leg, although Messi ran the City defence ragged, he met his match against Joe Hart. The England No 1 produced one of the great Champions League goalkeeping performances to thwart Messi with several fine stops. Had it not been for Harts heroics it could have been a humiliating defeat for Manuel Pellegrinis side and Messi, in typically sporting fashion, was quick to congratulate him. Hart thwarts Messi again as the Manchester City goalkeeper kept his side in the game . Argentina international Messi and Hart acknowledge each others performances with a hand shake . He saved everything. We did all we could to score more goals but the keeper played fantastically well and Id like to congratulate him. The most important thing was to make it through. Barcelona now turn their attention to the small matter of the Clasico on Sunday with a chance to open up a four-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, but Messi is expecting a tough match. One has to respect them and their current form makes them more dangerous. I wouldnt say that theyre not in good shape or lacking form. On an individual basis they have great players. Well just try and play our game. 