Lionel Messi has scored a second-half brace as Barcelona came from behind to beat Granada in La Liga.

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Granada were not showing any early nerves and indeed had the first chance on 10 minutes, but Nolito's shot was saved by Victor Valdes after he had worked space at the far post.

Cesc Fabregas almost set up Messi for the equaliser, but the Argentinian could just not get a touch on the Spaniard's cushioned header.

Six minutes later the hosts took the lead and it was the lively Odion Ighalo who finished off a swift break by turning in Carlos Aranda's pass.

Barcelona started to dominate and should have been level on 39 minutes but Tono came off his line well to deny Messi.

It only took five minutes of the second half for Barca to get level and it was Messi who fired into the net from inside the box for his 300th goal for the Catalans.

On 69 minutes they came agonisingly close to taking the lead as Pedro struck the far post with a snapshot from an angle.

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Four minutes later the turnaround was complete, Messi scoring a sublime free-kick from just outside the box.

After that Barca were firmly in control and Cristian Tello should have wrapped up the points but fired over when well placed.

It did not matter, however, as Barca saw out some late Granada for another three points.