Lionel Messi was once again the hero, rescuing a point for Barcelona against a spirited Almeria side, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Messi, who has been sensational this season, scored another two goals to become once again the leading goalscorer in La Liga.

The game was never going to be easy for Barcelona. The home side Almeria started positively. This positivity was converted into a goal in just 12 minutes. Following a corner, Domingo rose above everyone, including Carles Puyol, to head home a brilliant finish.

Messi equalised just before half time, on the 42 minute mark. It was another stroke of genius from the young Argentine. Barcelona were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box. Messi stepped up to take it and dinked a lob over the wall which landed in the bottom corner. Lionel Messi was visibly delighted and will go down as another of his great strikes.

In the 57th minute, Almeria were ahead again. Following a pulsating break, the ball was crossed into the area which Puyol turned into his own goal. It was disappointing for the Catalan native and took Almeria ahead once again.

Things went from bad to worse for Barcelona 3 minutes later. Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who hasn't been scoring many lately, was dismissed for what was deemed violent conduct, reducing the visitors to 10-men.

However, Messi was in no mood to give up. The ball was crossed into the Almeria penalty area and following a poor defensive clearance, Lionel Messi reacted quickest to stab home his second goal.

It ended 2-2 and was a reasonable result given the circumstances for Barcelona. Messi was once again the star of the show and by a distance the best player on the pitch. Following their 3-2 victory over Sevilla, Real Madrid are now top of La Liga after Barcelona dropped 2 points.