It started with Lionel Messi and it ended with Lionel Messi.

The unstoppable superstar scored the first three goals in Celtic's Champions League group campaign and it was the little striker who also knocked them out of Europe with a double on Wednesday night.

There may still be a final matchday in Manchester to negotiate but Celtic's hopes of continental adventure in early 2017 ended with Messi's firmly-struck penalty.

In a week where Brendan Rodgers was asked a bizarre question comparing the forward to a mythical creature, he underlined his legendary status with another decisive performance.

Despite a third reverse in five group games, the Parkhead atmosphere was as you would expect, how could it not be when a team like Barcelona come calling? But by the end the home fans were content to make the most of the occasion rather than hoping for a comeback which was never likely to materialise.

Instead of frustration creeping in at 2-0 they accepted their team just hadn't been good enough both on the evening and throughout the tournament.

Considering it was Brendan Rodgers' first season in charge and the magnitude of the task in hand - not every team is unlucky enough to draw two of the biggest teams in the world on their awaited return to the Champions League - many would argue they actually exceeded expectations winning (at least) two points.

Of course there's still a game to go with a trip to Manchester next month but Celtic are now out of the running for the top three spots which would have seen them extend their run in Europe beyond Christmas.

It was hardly a realistic target for a club in transition, however. They were happy just to secure qualification and participate in this season's competition.

An extended run may become a more realistic aim in the long run as Brendan Rodgers wants to make Celtic a regular last 16 side in the Champions League. For now annual qualification is the first priority.

They are far from the polished article - defensive errors, bad decisions and slack reading of the game are areas that need worked on - but they're making crucial steps in the right direction.

Rodgers said after the Barcelona clash he was proud of his team because they played without fear and showed vast improvements from their 7-0 humbling in the Camp Nou. The signs are there, Celtic are on the up.

He needs individuals who are experienced on the Champions League stage but right now only has the likes of Mikael Lustig, Scott Brown and Kolo Toure.

By taking a settled squad of players on a journey together they could grow and mature as a team. Neil Lennon did just that when his side built their way up to the Champions League last 16 after two league campaigns and a foray in the Europa League first.

The majority of Rodgers' squad have long term contracts and ambitions with the club so the likes of Craig Gordon, Erik Sviatchenko, Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths - the spine of the team - will still be around next season.

Patrick Roberts won't be there next season but Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Lustig all remain settled.

Question marks lie over players like Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair who could attract interest from elsewhere with their good performances. It might also be tough to hold on to Tom Rogic and Stuart Armstrong if they continue to grow and impress in the starting line-up.

Before the Barcelona game, Scott Brown spoke about the fans understanding the magnitude of the task in hand. He said they were willing to be more patient with the players because of the size of the opposition.

Of course the Celtic support want regular success at the highest level but Champions League glory will require some patience. Good things come to those who wait.

The fans have faith in Brendan Rodgers - just six months into the job and he's already a hero who can do no wrong in their eyes - so they will give him time to make it work long term.

They've already watched Celtic test themselves against two of Europe's biggest sides - putting in mature performances and pulling off unexpected draws against Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Valuable lessons will have been learned in the process because instead of simply settling for qualification, Celtic were thrown in at the deep end and fought their ground.

While they weren't good enough on this occasion, they didn't flop spectacularly and showed enough signs of promise for the future.

Building on this will be Rodgers' main task next term.