Lionel Messi leads Barca past Getafe

Alexis Sanchez scored in each half while Pedro Rodriguez also netted as Barcelona earned its 10th straight league win to increase the pressure on Madrid, which could restore its four-point lead by beating Atletico Madrid later on Wednesday. Messi took his league-best tally to 39 goals, leaving him one shy of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 40 in a season. Sanchez curled home a 13th-minute opener at the Camp Nou before Messi added another dazzling strike to his resume against Getafe, a team that has been the victim of some of his most memorable goals - including a solo run in 2007 often compared to countryman Diego Maradona’s goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. This time, Messi ran on to Andres Iniesta’s subtle backheel pass and sent a rising shot into the top corner in the 44th minute. Messi’s goal capped a first half dominated by the hosts, who looked in danger of letting their good play go to waste as they failed to convert a number of opportunities. Also, Ruben Castro’s 13th goal of the season canceled out Carlos Vela’s 56th-minute strike as Real Betis rallied for a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad.