300-up Messi makes history as Barca open big lead

Lionel Messi became the first player to notch 300 La Liga goals as his double blast powered Barcelona to a 3-1 win at Sporting Gijon that sent them six points clear at the top of the table on Wednesday. "To have Messi is a privilege," coach Luis Enrique told reporters. "We are where we wanted to be." Luis Suarez missed a second-half penalty but made amends soon after by scoring the third goal to take his tally in all competitions to 40 this season.