Messi scores twice to rescue 10-man Barca

Lionel Messi scored two goals to rescue 10-man Barcelona as the reigning champions twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Almeria in La Liga last night.

The Argentine netted a superb free-kick to level at 1-1 just before the break, after Domingo Cisma's header from an early corner had put Almeria in front.

Barca were then on top until Carles Puyol put through his own goal in the 57th minute and four minutes later Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off. Messi, though, equalised again in the 66th minute.

Earlier, Deportivo La Coruna climbed to fifth on 41 points with a 3-1 comeback victory at home to lowly Tenerife thanks to goals from Juan Rodriguez, Andres Guardado and Diego Colotto.

The islanders have only taken two points on their travels all season and have shipped 12 goals in their last three outings.