The win takes Barca nine points clear of Atletico, who remain second, while Real Madrid have lost further ground in third.

Atletico Madrid took the lead early in the game through a fine Radamel Falcao goal and for a while his side were in control and it looked as if he could win the 'battle of the goalscorers' against Messi.

However, Adriano Correira equalized with a magnificent left foot shot and Sergio Busquets kept calm to net from close range to turn things around for Barca before the break and the second half was all Barca, allowing Messi to confirm his status the best striker in Spain and probably the world.

Real Madrid's title challenge appears to have died as a result of a 2-2 draw at home to lowly Espanyol.

An 89th minute goal from Juan Albin gave Espanyol the draw and stun Real Madrid, who had come back from behind thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Coentrao had cancelled out Sergio Garcia's opener for the visitors, who remain second from bottom of the table with just 12 points from 16 games.

Valencia coach Ernesto Valverde will not have enjoyed his first home game since taking charge of the club. A Chori Dominguez penalty gave rivals, Rayo Vallecano all three points and the game ended with the crowd protesting against the direction of club President, Manuel Llorente.

Valencia's city neighbors, Levante had a much better day as Ruben Garcia's 19th minute goal gave them a 1-0 win in Zaragoza to keep them fifth in the table and mean that Levante have won all five games they have kicked off at midday on Sunday.

Saturday saw Malaga win the Andalusia derby away to Sevilla by 2-0 with the goals scored by Martin Demichelis and Joaquin Sanchez.

The result piles the pressure on Sevilla coach Michel Gonzalez, whose side is looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone, rather than concentrating on a battle to qualify for Europe.

Aritz Aduriz celebrated his 100th appearance for Athletic Club Bilbao with his 10th goal of the season to give Athletic a morale boosting 1-0 win against a Mallorca who created a host of chances only to be denied by poor finishing and a fine display by Athletic keeper, Gorka Iraizoz.

Mallorca have not won in their last 14 matches in all competitions and coach Joaquin Caparros is another in danger of losing his job.

A dreadful penalty decision for a handball that never was denied Osasuna a win away to Getafe. Kike Sola had put the visitors ahead, but Diego Castro equalized after referee Teixeira Vitienes invented a handball in injury time. Meanwhile Granada and Real Sociedad drew a dull game 0-0.

Monday sees games between Deportivo la Coruna and Valladolid and Celta and Betis to end the 16th round of games.