Lionel Messi: Leo Shines for Barcelona with 2-Goal Performance

With six wins in the first six matches, Barcelona was hoping for a promising victory against Real Madrid in order to boost their momentum even further by defeating a Madrid club that has already suffered a pair of tough losses. 

Barcelona didn't necessarily achieve the victory in their 2-2 draw against Madrid, but there's certainly some optimism after watching Lionel Messi's performance. 

Messi was forced to take on Cristiano Ronaldo in a head-to-head showdown where each player was carrying their team and was responsible for the outcome. 

And while no one came out on top, it was a solid performance by each player. 

"

In fútbol news, the world's top 2 players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, each score twice in a 2-2 draw. --> es.pn/R89Nh8

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 7, 2012"

Each player was looking for an edge, but they were able to match each other step for step in what was viewed more as a battle between two great players rather than two clubs. 

Ronaldo struck first 23 minutes into the game, but Messi was able to answer back around the 31-minute mark. 

Messi went on to score yet another goal in what was seemingly a game-winning effort, but Ronaldo was able to put out the fire by coming up with his second goal of the game, forcing the match to end in a draw. 

It would've been preferable for one of the clubs to come out on top with a victory, but an exciting performance that ended in a draw is certainly a nice consolation prize. 

Barcelona will continue their season on October 20 against Deportivo La Coruña, while Real Madrid will continue on the same date against Celta Vigo.