Messi Brace Fires Barca to Top of La LigaMessi Brace Fires Barca to Top of La Liga Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga on Saturday after a stunning performance by Lionel Messi inspired a 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a trademark left-footed finish from the edge of the area. He doubled his tally just before halftime with a free-kick that curled over the Celta wall and into the back of the net. Messi’s brilliance helped Barca overcome a determined Celta side that defended resolutely throughout the match. The visitors had a few chances to score but were denied by some excellent saves from Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barca goal. The Blaugrana’s victory, coupled with Real Madrid’s draw at Real Sociedad, means that Barca now lead the table on goal difference. Both teams have 10 points from four matches. Messi’s braces comes as a welcome boost for Barca, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. The victory will also provide a morale boost ahead of their crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan on Wednesday. For Celta, the defeat was a disappointing blow, but they can take solace in the fact that they gave a good account of themselves against one of the best teams in the world. The Galician side will now look to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against Valencia. Barca’s next La Liga match is against Getafe on October 2, while Celta will travel to Levante on the same day.