Lionel Messi will once again make the headlines across Spain as he scored the opening goal in the Madrid-Barcelona "clasico" as Barcelona shocked the home side, winning by two goals to nil.

The match was closely contested from the very outset, both teams sitting level on points at the La Liga summit, knowing that a victory today would possibly decide the La Liga title. However, despite Real's early endeavor, it was Barcelona who took the game by the horns, bossing the midfield with some sublime passing from Xavi.

Lionel Messi, unsurprisingly, gave Barcelona the lead on the 33rd minute. He picked up the ball mid-way through the Real Madrid half and gave it to Xavi. Messi continued running as Xavi picked him out to perfection with a lofted pass. Messi chested the ball with great precision and struck the ball past Casillas who was helpless.

Barcelona's lead was doubled after the break. It was midfield maestro Xavi who once again threaded the pass. Pedro latched onto it with a great turn of pace and dispatched the ball with ease into the corner of the goal.

Real Madrid did have several opportunities, several falling to their star man Cristiano Ronaldo, but it was Barcelona's defense and Victor Valdes in particular who were there to deny Real's advances. It was a well-deserved Barcelona victory and an all important three points to take the Blaugrana to the top of La Liga. It will not be remembered as Messi's best game in a Barcelona shirt, but his contribution with the opener was as decisive as ever.