The Brazilian ace opened the score line in the 28th minute from the spot after Juliano Belleti was clipped inside the area.

In the 37th minute, Daniel Alves swung a neat cross to Frederic Kanoute who headed the equalizer home.

Ronaldinho restored the lead after two minutes, curling a trade-mark free-kick home from the edge of the box.

Argentinean teenager Lionel Messi ensured the victory nine minutes from time when he danced his way past two defenders before drilling a low shot into the back of the net.

Barca's fifth triumph of the season placed them first on 16 points, three points clear of second-place Valencia, who were stunned 3-2 by Celta Vigo on the same day.

Valencia looked on their way to victory in the 41st minute as David Navarro steered a superb header home.

Vigo ran riot in the first ten minutes in the second period with Fernando Baiano, Iriney and Fabian Canobbio all on target to go three up.

Spanish international Fernando Morientes pulled one back three minutes after the hour mark but the title challengers couldn't snatch an equalizer.