Memorable sequences in football can last a lifetime, and occasionally it can feel as if all the stars align perfectly on the pitch. For Barcelona and Lionel Messi, Sunday at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was exactly that type of occurrence.<\/p>\n
The Blaugrana\u2019s 3-2 victory at Real Madrid brings them back to the top of the table in La Liga, level on points with their eternal rival. With the match 2-2 and seemingly destined for a draw, Lionel Messi scored the winner deep into stoppage-time with a magnificent finish <\/a>past Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.<\/p>\n From the\u00a0scintillating\u00a0shot to the iconic celebration of holding his\u00a0shirt up to the heavens, Messi\u2019s heroics gave Catalonia an image for the ages. Adding to the surreal nature of it all, it was also the Argentine\u2019s 500th goal for Barcelona.<\/p>\n The world\u2019s greatest sporting rivalry normally brings out the best from the players involved, and Messi certainly rose to the occasion in an amazing way. While Sunday\u2019s victory is clearly strong in the mind\u00a0at the present time, it is not the first El Clasico where he has made a major impact.<\/p>\n The balance of power in the Spanish top flight was shifting, as Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi helped send a stern message to Real Madrid late in the 2008-09 season. That message was sent in the form of a 6-2 Barcelona victory in a shocking output at the Bernabeu.<\/p>\n Los Blancos had come into the encounter in fine form and boasted an extremely talented side, but were no match for both tiki-taka and Messi\u2019s abilities.<\/p>\nMay 2, 2009 \u2013 Santiago Bernabeu \u2013 La Liga<\/strong><\/h3>\n