Barcelona earn maximum points in AP soccer poll

(AP) It was difficult to vote for any other team.

Barcelona received maximum points in The AP's latest global soccer rankings on Tuesday, with the team's striker, Lionel Messi, coming close to top marks.

The Catalan team was rewarded by The Associated Press' panel of 20 soccer journalists for its 4-0 rout of AC Milan to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit and qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the sixth season in a row.

Cedric Rouquette of Eurosport in France says, "We rediscovered the best Barcelona at the best possible moment."

Barcelona received the maximum 200 points, with Spanish rival Real Madrid second at 106 points and Italian league leader Juventus third with 92 points.