Lionel Messi Inspires Barcelona to Thrilling La Liga Win over Real Betis

Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to a thrilling 3-2 win over Real Betis on Sunday in La Liga, registering three assists as the Blaugrana twice came from behind to secure a crucial victory. 

The match got off to a frenetic start, with Sergio Canales' sixth-minute penalty quickly cancelled out by Frenkie de Jong's tidy finish. The home side got back in front when the inspired Nabil Fekir fired home a brilliant shot, but Sergio Busquets levelled again for the visitors, slashing home from a set piece with the last act of the opening period.

Barcelona were much improved after the break and went ahead for the first time when Clement Lenglet headed home.

The drama continued afterwards, as Fekir and Lenglet were both dismissed after picking up second yellow cards. However, the Blaugrana were able to see the match out, securing a memorable win and moving to within three points of league leaders Real Madrid.

Earlier in the day, Los Blancos had extended their advantage at the top of the table to six points, as they came from behind to beat Osasuna 4-1 on the road.

The opening stages set the tone for a breathless match, with both teams showcasing their attacking intent.

Betis grabbed the early initiative. Fekir's goalbound shot struck Lenglet's outstretched arm, and after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Canales was ice-cool, dispatching his effort from 12 yards beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

To their credit, Barcelona's response was instant. In the ninth minute, Messi dropped a perfect pass into the path of De Jong, who had surged forward from his midfield berth. The Dutchman controlled the ball and prodded home: 

Per the Spanish Football Podcast, with Luis Suarez sidelined because of injury, manager Quique Setien asked midfielder Arturo Vidal to fill in at the point of the attack: 

Barcelona settled into the game after that equaliser and had opportunities to take the lead. Messi was played in once, although he was unable to squeeze a shot past Joel Robles.

At the other end, Fekir continued to carry a threat for Betis, and Barcelona were unable to stifle his influence. With 26 minutes on the clock, Fekir found some space on the edge of the penalty area and slammed a low, left-footed shot beyond Ter Stegen.

As Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan relayed, the Betis playmaker was giving the Barcelona defence a torrid time: 

They were unable to make the most of their first-half dominance, though, with more slack defending costing the hosts. Betis were unable to clear their lines after a set piece, and Busquets swept home with the final kick of the first period.

In the second half, Barcelona enjoyed their best spell of the game, pinning Betis back and coming close to unpicking their opponents on a couple of occasions. Messi was again foiled by Robles after the hour-mark, with the 'keeper pushing away a stinging right-footed shot.

By the time Barcelona went in front, the goal felt inevitable. Again, the home side was undone by a set piece, with Lenglet rising highest and planting Messi's cross into the corner: 

"

 Lenglet puts Barca 3-2 up!

⚽ A slip at the worst possible moment from Joel Robles in the Betis goal, but he would have had a tough time getting to it anyway pic.twitter.com/T9kiM9WSuE

— Premier Sports  (@PremierSportsTV) February 9, 2020"

Per Spanish football writer Rik Sharma, although he's not been finding the net recently, Messi has been productive in a creative sense: 

After Barcelona went ahead for the first time, Betis' task got more difficult. Clearly frustrated, Fekir committed another rash tackle and was given his marching orders, much to the dissatisfaction of the home fans.

Remarkably, parity was restored in terms of personnel soon after, with another goalscorer dismissed. Lenglet could have no complaints, though, as he lashed out at Joaquin and received a second yellow.

Instead of opening up the game, the red cards slowed the contest down, and eventually Barcelona were able to control the latter stages.

What's next?

Barcelona are back at the Camp Nou next weekend, when they host high-flying Getafe. Real Betis will be favourites next Sunday, when they travel to 19th-place Leganes.