Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou and although it meant Luis Enrique’s side remain on the heels of Real Madrid at the top, it was a laboured performance that did little to suggest Barça are ready to overturn Juventus’ lead in the Champions League.

Messi fired Barcelona ahead from 25 yards before bundling in a second after Luis Suárez’s initial effort was saved by Gerónimo Rulli but despite a two-goal lead the home side were far from comfortable.

Leo Messi has now scored 498 goals for Barcelona in all competitions. 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/TwXuaEf7My

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2017

A Samuel Umtiti own-goal reduced the dificit before Messi played in Paco Alcacer to make it 3-1.

However, Xabi Prieto immediately volleyed Real Socieded to within a goal to draw to a close an error-strewn but exciting first half.

Barcelona saw out the win and remain three points behind league leaders Real Madrid, who still have a game in hand, ahead of next weekend’s El Clásico.

A huge week lies ahead for Messi and Barcelona with Juventus visiting the Camp Nou on Wednesday before that league decider against Real.