Messi scores for 600th time, Barca defeats Atletico

Argentine striker and regarded as greatest of all time Messi scored his 600th career goal last night in the win over Atletico. Lionel Messi scored from free kick to sank Atletico Madrid 1-0 and guaranteed Barcelona extended their lead at the highest point of La Liga to eight points.

As Barca edged past their closest opponents to take an immense walk towards recovering the title,  Atletico had mauled back the lead only five points yet could not secure a triumph that would have decreased the shortfall to two.

Barcelona mentor Ernesto Valverde, who saw midfielder Andres Iniesta limp off with hamstring damage before the break, had played down the significance of the match, guaranteeing it would not be a decider.

Nevertheless, his side’s triumph, and a 34th alliance match unbeaten, implies it is presently Barca’s title to lose with 11 recreations remaining.