This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored two goals and missed a penalty in a thrilling 3-2 win over Valencia in La Liga on Sunday.
With the victory, Barcelona narrowed the gap with leaders Atletico Madrid, who have 76 points, and Real Madrid, who have 74 points, but trail in the head-to-head tiebreaker due to their two El Clasico wins this season.
Sevilla, who have one more match to play than the top three teams, remain in fourth place with 70 points.
Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista put Valencia ahead in the 50th minute, but Messi equalized seven minutes later with a rebound after missing a penalty.
Antoine Griezmann gave Barcelona the lead in the 63rd minute, and Messi scored his second goal six minutes later to seal the win.
Carlos Soler scored Valencia's second goal in the 83rd minute, but it was too little, too late.
Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid on May 8, 2021, at Camp Nou in a match that could decide the La Liga title.
