Lionel Messi scores last-minute winning goal vs. Real Madrid (Video)

Lionel Messi capped off a two-goal effort in El Clasico by scoring a last-minute goal to blow the La Liga title race wide open.

Lionel Messi is a modern-day superhero, and the best player in the world. He proved both of those things at the Santiago Bernabeu when he scored two goals against Real Madrid in one of the best Clasicos in recent memory.

There have been plenty of instances this season where Messi has rescued a point for his team. His two goals couldn’t have come at a better time, as he made it 1-1 late in the first half, then scored the winner deep into injury time.

Barcelona is consistently one of the best teams in the world, but they’ve failed to live up to their sky high expectations. They just got eliminated by Juventus in the Champions League, and failed to score over the two legs. They also have to prepare for manager Luis Enrique to leave the club, while Real Madrid were in the driver’s seat for the La Liga title most of the season. And heading into this game, they had a three point lead over Barca with a game in hand.

Barcelona had to get by without Neymar, who has been just as important to them as Messi, and had to get all three points at the Bernabeu after they failed to beat Real Madrid at home. That’s what made Messi’s goals all the more crucial, as his late winner left the teams tied at the top of the standings with six weeks left to go. He reached yet another milestone, as he scored his 500th goal in a Barcelona shirt.

Next: 30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

Considering they’re already out of the Champions League, Barcelona will do everything they can to steal the La Liga title away from Madrid this year. There should be no shortage of excitement down the stretch.