Lionel Messi’s 600th career goal sank Atletico Madrid 1-0 and ensured Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
The Argentinian struck with a trademark free-kick as Barca edged past their nearest rivals to take a huge stride towards regaining the La Liga title.
Atletico had clawed back the the lead to just five points but could not secure the victory which would have reduced the deficit to two.
Lionel Messi makes the difference once again! ?#BarcaAtleti 1-0 pic.twitter.com/mc9ZW0bUG9
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) March 4, 2018
Tweet of the match
Messi has just struck another 25 yard freekick into the top corner. He’s so predictable.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 4, 2018
Star man – Lionel Messi
Moment of the match
Messi scored his 600th goal to beat Atletico and surely clinch La Liga for @FCBarcelona. If he were just a goal scorer it would be astonishing, but the fact he’s also the best dribbler I’ve ever seen and as good a passer as I’ve ever seen makes him the best I’ve ever seen. ?
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 4, 2018
Messi had already tried one sighter straight into the wall, so when he stepped up for a second time 25 yards the crowd sensed something special was coming. Messi did not disappoint with a stunning free-kick into the top corner.
Data point
? With that goal Leo #Messi reaches 600 as a professional! ??? 539 ⚽?? 61 ⚽? Congratulations, Leo! ? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/8o7gBNoSaH
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018
Messi scored his first, 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th, 500th and 600th career goals for Barcelona.
Player ratings
Two unsuccessful dribbles, zero shots and a few tame backward passes from Costa. pic.twitter.com/ONMySx0s3P
— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) March 4, 2018
Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6 (out of 10), Roberto 6, Pique 6, Umtiti 6, Alba 7, Busquets 6, Iniesta 6, Rakitic 7, Messi 8, Suarez 6, Coutinho 7. Subs: Gomes (for Iniesta, 35) 6, Paulinho (for Coutinho, 84) 5.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak 7, Vrsaljko 5, Gimenez 6, Godin 6, Luis 5, Saul 5, Thomas 6, Gabi 5, Koke 5, Costa 4, Griezmann 5. Subs: Angel Correa (for Vrsaljko, 59) 6, Gameiro (for Gabi, 66) 5, Hernández (for Luis, 75) 5.
Who’s up next?
Malaga v Barcelona (LaLiga, Mar 10)
Atletico Madrid v Lokamotiv Moscow (Europa League, Mar 8)
