Messi’s 500th goal sends Barca top of La Liga

Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi scored his 500th Barcelona goal – the winner – in a thrilling La Liga match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Sunday night.

Messi becomes the leading goalscorer in El Clasico with the sensational last-minute equaliser that sent his side to the top spot of the Spanish League, though level on points with Real Madrid but with a better goal difference and head-to-head record.

Casemiro had put the hosts ahead on 28 minutes before Messi levelled before half-time. On 73 minutes, Ivan Rakitic put Barcelona in front and Sergio Ramos was shown a red card.

Substitute James Rodriguez equalised for the home side five minutes before stoppage time, before Messi fired in from the edge of the area to win it for Barcelona.

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Messi’s first goal in a league meeting between the arch rivals came back in 2007 when he was just 19 as part of a famous hat-trick in a 3-3 draw, but tonight, the Argentina international netted his 15th in meetings between the Spanish heavyweights in La Liga, moving ahead of the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano.

As it stands, Barcelona are top on virtue of their head-to-head record with Real Madrid, and they face Osasuna on Wednesday, as they continue in their quest for the title this season.

Onthe other hand, Zinedine Zidane’s side have a game in hand against Celta Vigo which is yet to be arranged. They will play Deportivo also on Wednesday, as the race for the La Liga title continues.

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