POST MATCH: Magic Messi at the double as Barcelona see off Espanyol

Another game and another show of genius from Barcelona captain Lionel Messi as Ernesto Valverde's side beat Espanyol 2-0 in the Catalan derby at the Nou Camp on Saturday. 

After a forgettable first half for the La Liga leaders, Messi sparked the clash into life after the break, forcing two saves from Espanyol goal keeper Diego Lopez. 

The Argentinian broke the deadlock on 70 minutes with a superb free kick, after he has hacked down by Victor Sanchez, chipping over Lopez's wall and into the net – despite Sanchez's best efforts to clear off the line.

The Barcelona skipper secured all three points for the home side with two minutes to go, slotting home from substitute Malcom's pass ass Espanyol pushed forward for an equaliser. 

Messi now has 31 La Liga goals for the 2018-19 campaign, and he is line to finish the season with his highest league tally since the 2014-15 season.

Tags Lionel Messi
La Liga - Club News