LIONEL MESSI

Lionel Messi and Cristian Tello combined for three goals as Barcelona beat Levante 4-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal in Valencia.

Barcelona is Gerardo Martino expecting a tougher examination against Levante on Sunday than in their 7-0 win in their opening game of the campaign.

Two goals from Lionel Messi ensured Barcelona’s progress past Getafe in the Copa del Rey, but an injury to Neymar gave the result a sour note.

Lionel Messi confirmed that he is back to his best following injury with a wonderful goal against Getafe in the second leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie.

Ahead of the Copa del Rey last-16 second leg at Getafe, Barcelona coach Tata Martino has heaped praise on Lionel Messi, despite his relinquishing of the Ballon d’Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored in farcical circumstances in the second leg of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey tie with Osasuna.

The Real Madrid star earned the honor for the first time since 2008, holding off four-time winner Lionel Messi of Barcelona, and French winger Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.

Cristiano Ronaldo is favorite to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or on Monday, ahead of fellow candidates Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.

Barcelona coach Tata Martino has suggested that Lionel Messi will start from the bench in the top-of-the-table- clash with Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona have a fight on their hands to remain top of La Liga after their visit to second-placed Ateltico Madrid on Saturday.

Lionel Messi scored twice on his return from injury in the first leg of Barcelona’s last-16 tie against Getafe at the Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi returns to the Barcelona squad to take on Getafe in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie.

Alexis Sanchez netted a hat-trick as a superb Barcelona beat Elche 4-0 in La Liga action at the Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi has returned to training for Barcelona ahead of their first match of 2014, at home to Elche on Sunday.

The Argentina star has been sidelined for roughly two months, but has practiced in recent days.

Barcelona came from two goals down to beat Getafe 5-2 in Madrid, courtesy of a Pedro hat-trick and two goals from Cesc Fabregas.

Barcelona face further unrest off the pitch as they prepare to travel to take on Getafe in Sunday’s La Liga action.

Ahead of their clash with Villarreal, Barcelona coach Tata Martino is confident that Neymar can continue to shoulder the pressure in the absence of Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery will vie for the 2013 Ballon d’Or, with one candidate standing out as a rightful favorite.

Los Blancos are a mere three points back of Atletico and Barcelona on the league table, eager to pounce if or when their rivals slip up. But the Bernabeu giants will charge ahead with the campaign without Brazilian striker Alvaro Morata.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi are at different stages of their recoveries from recent injuries.