Barcelona: Lionel Messi scored twice to help Barcelona come from behind to win 4-1 against Real Zaragoza and cut the gap to leaders Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

Messi who scored his 60th goal of the season became the first player to do so in 40 years and now is just seven goals away from former Bayern Munich great Gerd Mueller who scored 67 goals in the 1972-73 season.

Even the gap is down to three points Real still have a game in hand and can restore their six points difference if they beat the third placed Valencia.

After a slow start Zaragoza picked up well but missed a possible chance to go up in front in the 24th minute when they missed a penalty. But six minutes later they however drew the first blood after Carlos Aranda headed them home.

Barca soon got the equalizer when Carlos Puyol found the nets in the 36th minute and then Messi took the lead towards the end of the first half.

After the change of ends, it was action packed and Barca could get their third goal during the fag end of the match when Messi converted from the spot. He then was in the midst of action when he set up Petro Rodriguez in the injury time who picked up their fourth goal.