LaLiga Santander: Messi Hits Two As Barca Move To Third On The Log

  LaLiga Santander: Messi Hits Two As Barca Move To Third On The Log By Omolagba Oluwayemi Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to go third in La Liga, BSNsports.com.ng reports. Athletic took an early lead through Inaki Williams, but teenager Pedri equalised with a header soon after. Messi, who also hit the post twice, then scored when he collected Pedri's backheel and shot past Unai Simon. A powerful first-time shot from Messi made it 3-1 and Barcelona held on for the victory, despite a late 20-yard strike from Athletic's Iker Muniain. The win takes Ronald Koeman's side above Real Sociedad and Villarreal; they are five points behind second-placed Real Madrid and seven adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand. This was the first game for Athletic since Marcelino replaced former head coach Gaizka Garitano, who was sacked hours after Sunday's 1-0 win over Elche.