Lionel Messi struck twice as Barcelona defeated Real Mallorca 4-2 yesterday.

Barcelona were cruising at 3-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Xavi, Messi and Cristian Tello.

However, Mallorca scored twice in four second-half minutes through Michael Pereira and a Victor Casadesus penalty but Messi struck to bring the hosts' comeback to a halt.

Barca coach Tito Vilanova said of Mallorca's comeback: "The players were a bit cold when they came out onto the pitch.

"We are going through a moment where the smallest errors lead to conceding a goal."