Messi late strike becomes point savior goal

Lionel Messi turned out to be another Giroud in saving Barcelona from Villareal strike.

Barcelona are now five points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race, having played a game more, after they drew 1-1 with Villarreal.

A sublime free kick from Lionel Messi, as the game crept into stoppage time, salvaged a deserved point for Luis Enrique’s side in his 150th game in charge.

Barcelona looked unfortunate earlier with Messi hitting a post and Barca denied a penalty when Bruno handled a shot by the Argentina forward, before Messi’s brilliant set-piece goal.

Villarreal, who remain fifth in La Liga, had full-back Jaume Costa sent off close to full-time after a second yellow card.