Lionel Messi scores two goals to help Barcelona beat Mallorca

Barcelona have beaten Mallorca 4-2 at the Estadio San Moix to stay top of La Liga.

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The hosts could not profit from a few early chances and were punished in the 28th minute with a well-struck free kick from Xavi.

Lionel Messi and Christian Tello then put Tito Vilanova's men firmly in control with two quick goals before the break.

Mallorca got themselves back in the game in the 55th minute when Pereira dispatched Alfaro's cross. Three minutes later, the referee awarded Mallorca a penalty when Sergio Busquets handled inside the area.

Victor Casadesus put his penalty straight down the middle to restore yet more hope.

However, Messi's second goal of the night put the game to bed with 20 minutes remaining.