Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona closed the gap on leaders Real Madrid with a 2-0 victory over Racing Santander this evening.

Visiting Barca controlled the match from the outset, with Pedro spurning an early chance when he struck into the side netting following a through pass from Cesc Fabregas.

Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was again involved as the away side took the lead in the 29th minute. The Spanish international picked out Messi, who shot left-footed into the bottom corner of the net.

Barca continued to dominate after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 55th minute. Santander defender Domingo Cisma brought down Fabregas inside the area and Messi stepped up to dispatch the resultant penalty past Mario.

Substitute Cristian Tello had Barca's best chance to score a third as the match drew to a close, but his curling effort went just wide of Mario's post.

The loss means that Santander remain in the La Liga relegation zone.