BARCELONA–Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another to lead Barcelona to a 4-1 comeback victory at Sevilla yesterday, moving the defending champions into a three-way tie for the Spanish league lead.
Despite Barcelona showing the same vulnerability in defense, Messi's best performance since returning from a lengthy injury layoff ensured that his side bounced back from a defeat by Valencia in the previous round. Barcelona is now level with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the top of the standings after 23 rounds.
Sevilla dominated the first half hour on the Sanchez Pizjuan's water-logged pitch and went ahead through Alberto Moreno's 15th-minute goal.
But as the rain showers turned into a downpour, Messi supplied a free kick for Alexis Sanchez to equalise in the 34th before the Argentina forward blasted in his first goal in open league play since September 28, before his injury.
With Sevilla surging forward after halftime, Messi stepped up once more to score from Andres Iniesta's pass in the 56th. Substitute Cesc Fabregas capped the win with Barcelona's fourth goal two minutes from time.
"Leo always shows up," Iniesta said. "He is one of those few players who can change a game if you give him a few metres, and he almost always does so." (AP)
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