Barcelona 3 Levante 0: Lionel Messi makes history on 400th La Liga appearance as Barca continue unbeaten run

LIONEL MESSI bagged his 365th league goal on his 400th La Liga appearance as Barca continued their unbeaten run.

Luis Suarez and Paulinho found the net as the Catalan giants secured a 3-0 win against Levante.

It took the Spanish giants just 12 minutes to open the scoring, with Messi breaking the deadlock on his special occasion.

The Argentine ace sent the ball out to Jordi Alba, who provided for the return pass, before Messi sent the first-time volley off the far post and into the net.

Messi has now equalled Gerd Muller's record of 365 league goals for one club in Europe's top five divisions.

Just two minutes later, Oier Olazábal made a world-class stop to deny Luis Suarez from close range before Ousmane Dembele's rebound was turned aside.

But the former Liverpool ace redeemed himself after 38 minutes, with a stunning strike to double the tally.

Sergi Roberto picked out Suarez, who controlled the ball with his first touch before burying a strike past the hands of Oier.

Barca went off the boil in the second half, but the visitors failed to capitalise.

Suarez came close to doubling his tally, but he scuffed the initial chance, before he forced Oier into a fearless save at the near post.

Barcelona nearly gave up their two goal lead when Ivan Rakitic made a mess of his pass back for Thomas Vermaelen.

But the defender reacted well and he slid in to heroically deny Nano the chance to break through.

Paulinho put the game to bed with a tap in from close range in stoppage time.

The victory puts Ernesto Valverde's side nine points clear at the top of the table and 17 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid - who play Celta Vigo tonight.

Luis Suarez scores in sublime style