Lionel Messi's free-kick keeps Barcelona's Spanish title hopes alive

Washington: Barcelona striker Lionel Messi reportedly converted a free-kick to help his side keep alive their dwindling hopes of retaining the Spanish League title with a 2-1 win against Athletic Bilboa.

Messi reportedly came to Barcelona's rescue as boss Gerardo Martino's men were looking down straight to an unthinkable fourth successive defeat after having been knocked out of the Champions League and then losing the Copa del Rey finals.

According to CNN, Barca's winger Pedro provided the equaliser to Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz's opening goal in the 72nd minute and soon after that Messi scored a goal after being fouled on the edge of the penalty area.

The goal reportedly ended the four-time world player of the year's goal drought, as Messi had not scored even once in the past four games.

This was reportedly Messi's 26th goal in La Liga, which leaves him third in Pichichi standings behind Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa (27) and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (28).

Barcelona are currently placed at the second place in the La Liga table, four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid, the report added.