"Lionel is the best player I've seen and probably the best I'll ever see," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said.
Messi conjured up a 54th-minute solo strike from the edge of the penalty area as the Spanish team took the lead for the second time. The Argentine striker later assisted on David Villa's goal before 87,695 at London's Wembley Stadium.
"They mesmerize you with their passing, and we never did control Messi," United's Alex Ferguson said. "In my time as manager, it's the best team I've faced."
Barcelona's Pedro Rodriguez scored midway through the first half before United's Wayne Rooney tied it in the 34th minute.
Michael Arroyo's goal in the 37th minute helped Ecuador tie Mexico 1-1 before 50,305 at Seattle's Qwest Field. Mexico's Jorge Torres Nilo scored in the seventh minute.
Mohamed bin Hammam withdrew from FIFA's presidential election after being accused of corruption. The Qatari challenger to incumbent Sepp Blatter had been accused of seeking to bribe voters on a campaign visit to the Caribbean. Bin Hammam, Blatter and FIFA vice president Jack Warner will face an ethics hearing Sunday in Geneva. The election was set for Wednesday.
