Lionel Messi double against Real Sociedad keeps Barcelona hot on Real Madrid’s tails – in pictures

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  Lionel Messi of Barcelona scores his team’s second goal during the Primera Liga match against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on April 15, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won thematch 3-2. Alex Caparros / Getty Images

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  Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Prieto, left, celebrates after scoring the second goal against Barcelona. Andreu Dalmau / EPA

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  Luis Suarez, centre, of Barcelona fights for the ball with Asier Illarramendi, left, and Raul Navas of Real Sociedad. Alex Caparros / Getty Images

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  Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer celebrates a goal with Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi. Lluis Gene/ AFP

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  Barcelona’s Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes, left, vies with Real Sociedad’s Brazilian forward Raul Navas. Lluis Gene/ AFP

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  Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, left, duels for the ball against Real Sociedad’s Yuri Berchiche. Manu Fernandez / AP Photo

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  Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen blocks a ball. Albert Gea / Reuters

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  Barcelona’s Paco Alcacer and Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in action. Albert Gea / Reuters

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  Barcelona’s Luis Suarez vies the ball. Albert Gea / Reuters

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  Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi, left, vies with Real Sociedad’s Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Lluis Gene/ AFP

Lionel Messi kept Barcelona’s title hopes alive with two goals and an assist to see off Real Sociedad 3-2 as Spain’s top two edged five-goal thrillers ahead of next weekend’s el clasico.

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