Messi scores twice as Barcelona thump Getafe

Barcelona 5-2 Getafe: Messi scores two as Barcelona thrash Getafe to go third in La Liga

Lionel Messi celebrates with a ball boy during Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Getafe in La Liga.
(Photo credit: @fcbarcelona via Twitter)

Lionel Messi netted two goals as Barcelona beat Getafe to go third on the table, two points behind second-placed Real Madrid.

Messi opened the scoring in the 8th minute but Getafe equalised four minutes later through a Clement Lenglet own goal.

A defensive error by Sofian Chakla and keeper David Soria gifted Barca the lead and Messi added the third to make it 3-1.

Enes Unal scored from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit to a goal but Ronald Araujo and Antoine Griezmann guaranteed the three points.

Barcelona are five points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid, but they have one game in hand and both teams will face each other in a potential title defender on May 8 at Nou Camp.

Barcelona 5-2 Getafe: Watch the match highlights

Lionel Messi is the only player to score 25+ league goals in each of the last 12 seasons.

Lionel Messi is the only player to score 25+ league goals in each of the last 12 seasons.

Incredible. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/TnurO5fV0S
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 22, 2021

What Ronaldo Koeman said

🎙 @RonaldKoeman breaks down the 5-2 win over Getafe pic.twitter.com/VK1RyhrUxl
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 22, 2021

Earlier, Barcelona released a statement to explain their involvement in the European Super League, saying it was a "historic opportunity" to secure football's financial stability.