Lionel Messi has scored for the sixth consecutive game to help Barcelona to a 2-1 half-time lead over Almeria at the Camp Nou.

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The four-time World Player of the Year winner found the the top left corner of the net with a brilliant 30-yard free kick on 23 minutes.

Messi's wonderstrike doubled Barca's lead after topscorer Alexis Sanchez had earlier scored his 16th La Liga goal of the season.

Sanchez tapped home from close range after Cesc Fabregas's low shot had been parried by goalkeeper Suarez Esteban.

Almeria then shocked the hosts by pulling one back on 26 minutes when Angel Trujillo headed home from Miguel Angel Corona's corner kick.

Messi came close to restoring his side's two-goal cushion just before the break, but he sent a brave diving header just wide.

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Barca will close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to just one point if they win tonight. Real came from behind to draw 2-2 at city rivals Atletico Madrid earlier today.