Messi moves closer to 50-goal milestone
LONDON. February 24. KAZINFORM Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo warmed up for next week's "Clasico" double-header as Spanish soccer rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid labored to victories on Saturday.
Messi scored for the 15th successive league match as Barca came from behind to beat Sevilla and move 12 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
The four-time world player of the year took his tally to 38 in the league this season from 25 matches, and 49 overall, as he combined well with second-half substitute Cristian Tello to slot a 60th-minute winner, CNN published.
David Villa had marked his return to action with a 52nd-minute equalizer, heading home Dani Alves' cross. The striker had missedthe midweek Champions League defeat by AC Milan due to his problem with kidney stones.
Another shock defeat had seemed on the cards when Sevilla exposed Barca's frailties at the back three minutes before halftime, as former La Masia academy defender Alberto Botia headed home a cross.
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