Argentinean sensation Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Barcelona to a 2-1 home victory over Sevilla in the Primera Liga on Saturday and cap a successful European and domestic week. The in-form forward notched a brace in the space of seven minutes late in the second-half to help the Catalans register their second league victory. Barcelona, who crushed Lyon 3-0 in a midweek UEFA Champions League clash, moved to second spot in the league table with eight points, two ahead of third-placed Sevilla. The hosts struggled to create opportunities in the first-half due to Sevilla's tight defense. After two minutes, Messi's superb long ball found Andres Iniesta on the left flank and the Spanish midfielder reached the byline and cut back for Thierry Henry, whose low shot hit the side netting. Renato could have stunned the home crowd in the 22nd minute when he received Ivica Dragutinovic's cross with a brilliant diving header that was denied by the crossbar. Eric Abidal's drive in the 31st minute was blocked by Sevilla keeper Andres Palop before Deco's right-footed shot narrowly missed the target one minute before halftime. The unfortunate Henry should have broken the deadlock in the 71st minute after he superbly controlled Marquez long ball and went clear on goal but Palop got a hand to his effort before the ball struck the post.
Henry came close Messi Salvo Messi finally put Barca ahead two minutes later with a stunning strike. He flicked Henry's weak shot inside the area before side-footing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Barcelona were awarded a penalty ten minutes from time when Christian Poulsen carelessly brought down Mexican forward Giovani Dos Santos as the latter tried to head a corner. Messi stepped-up, sending the keeper to the wrong way and double the lead. He imitated Ronaldinho's trademark celebration, in support of the under-fire Brazilian, who missed the game due to injury, according to Barcelona official website. However, media reports said the player missed the match because he was punished. Malian striker Frederic Kanoute pulled one back in stoppage time after chipping the ball past Victor Valdes.
