Substitute Ivan Rakitic scores in the 71st minute to help Barcelona win 1-0 against Athletic Bilbao bringing the Catalans back to the top of the La Liga. Second placed Real Madrid face Real Mallorca on Wednesday.
Messi was hauled to the ground in the first half by a diving Unai Bustinza wrapping two arms around his waist and he was knocked over again in the second, this time earning a penalty, which he converted.
In February, Spain’s Cadena Ser radio network reported that a company hired by Barcelona used fake social media accounts to discredit opposition figures and even some of its players when they expressed views that went against the club.
With Sunday's La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid looming, Barca are also left with concerns over defender Gerard Pique, who limped off with an injury after falling heavily on his ankle.
Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are declared joint winners of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in Berlin.
The victory took Barcelona level on 52 points with Real Madrid, who lead the Spanish league standings on goal difference and host Celta Vigo on Sunday. Getafe stay third on 42.
Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet scored first-half goals before Lionel Messi netted two and Arthur added another after the break as Barcelona reached the last eight of the Copa for the 10th straight year.
A mistake by Barca's usually excellent goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen gave the home team an equalising goal that sealed the match.
Now aged 32, it's Messi's first Ballon d'Or since 2015 and his sixth overall as he moves one ahead of his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi's strike saw Barca return to the top of the standings with 31 points after 14 games, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico were left in sixth spot on 25 points, having played one match more than the two pacesetters.
Suarez put Barca in front in the 29th minute before setting up Messi on his landmark night moments later.
Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up two more as Barcelona extended its winning streak and regained the Spanish league lead by comfortably defeating Valladolid 5-1.
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