Lionel Messi made three goals to achieve Barcelona a difficult 3-2 away victory over Real Betis in the Primera Liga after losing twice in an exciting match.
French defender Climo Lingle scored the victory goal in the 72nd minute of a free-kick by Messi, but he was sent off for receiving two bookings moments after Nabil Faqir was sent off for Betis because of two warnings in one incident.
Barcelona was delayed in the sixth minute of a penalty by Sergio Canales after the review of the assistant video referee showed that Lingle had touched the ball with his hand, but Dutch midfielder Frinky de Jong equalized the score immediately with the help of a pass from Messi.
Betis regained its lead in the 26th minute with a poor World Cup winner, but Barcelona netted again before the first half when Messi passed to Sergio Busquets to turn the midfielder into the goal from close range.
The second-placed victory helped Barcelona cut the difference with leaders Real Madrid to three points after 23 games after their traditional rivals won 4-1 against Osasuna earlier Sunday.
