Barcelona, SANA, Barcelona beat Villarreal 3-2 at home and move a point behind the leaders, Real Madrid.
Barça dominated possession and Luis Suárez had several early chances but it was Villarreal who took the lead when Denis Cheryshev redirected a Mario Gaspar shot past Claudio Bravo on the half-hour.
Luciano Vietto restored the visitors’ advantage after being set up well by Giovani dos Santos but Barça again bounced back quickly.
Rafinha was first on to the rebound after Messi’s header had been blocked by Victor Ruiz and then Messi hit a 20-metre shot into the top corner with his weaker right foot after 55 minutes.
Barcelona have 50 points from 21 games while Real, who have also played a game fewer, beat Real Sociedad 4-1 on Saturday to stay top. Villarreal are sixth on 38 points
Barry