/world sport
BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona marked the 50th anniversary of their magnificent Nou Camp stadium with a vital home win over likely title rivals Sevilla on Saturday.
Messi scored a brilliant opener and followed up with a penalty for his second goal.
Two late goals by Argentine international Lionel Messi sealed victory with Frederic Kanoute scoring a consolation goal for the visitors in injury time.
The victory lifts Barcelona into second place in the Spanish Primer Liga standings, one point adrift of champions Real Madrid but having played a game more.
Real play Valladolid on Sunday as they bid to continue their perfect start to the season with three wins in three games.
It completes a fine week for Barcelona, who beat Lyon 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, and eases the pressure on coach Frank Rijkaard after a stuttering start to the season.
After a spectacular ceremony to their stadium's half century, Barcelona made a strong start and new signing Thierry Henry came close to his first league goal after being set up by Andres Iniesta.
Sevilla also carried a threat and Renato saw his 20th minute header rebound off the post.
Henry came even closer to scoring after the break as his 71st minute effort was pushed on to the post by Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop, but the breakthrough followed quickly and the former Arsenal man was involved.
He found Messi at the far post who controlled instantly before scoring with a brilliant scissors kick.
Six minutes later Barcelona doubled their lead after substitute Giovani won a penalty and Messi duly converted for the spot kick.
Slack marking in the home defense saw Kanoute capitalize, but it was not enough to prevent a home win. E-mail to a friend 
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed |
From the Blogs: 
Sit tight, we're getting to the good stuff
