MADRID — Lionel Messi celebrated another goal-scoring record on Saturday — but Barcelona’s cruise towards a 22nd title was halted when Borja Oubina hit a late equaliser which handed Celta Vigo a deserved 2-2 draw.
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The visitors were without a number of first-team regulars and were punished for a slow start when Natxo Insa prodded home from close range to put Celta in front seven minutes before half-time.
The lead only lasted five minutes though as Messi released Cristian Tello to curl home a fine equaliser and the roles were reversed 18 minutes from time when Tello cut the ball back for Messi to drill low into the net.
The goal was Messi’s 43rd league goal of the campaign and also secured another record for the World Player of the Year.
By scoring for the 19th straight game, he became the first player to score against every team in the Spanish league in consecutive matches.
However, Celta gave their chances of survival a huge boost as Oubina headed home Fabian Orellana’s cross at the back post two minutes from time.
Barça assistant manager Jordi Roura was full of praise for Messi. Second-placed Real Madrid failed to take advantage of Barça’s slip-up as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Real Zaragoza.
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Rodri put the hosts in front after just five minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised seven minutes before halftime.
However, manager Jose Mourinho dismissed suggestions that his side had missed an opportunity to get back into the title race.
Earlier, Malaga moved level with Real Sociedad in fourth spot with a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
