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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rob Gurdebeke

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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Updated: April 16, 2017, 12:00 AM