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Lionel Messi staked his claim as the all-time greatest alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other active football player to score 700 goals, just 28 goals lesser than the Portuguese legend. The 33-year-old Argentinean scored a brilliant Panenka from the spot to beat Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, to help his side in front for the second time that night. However, Saul Niguez converted a second penalty to equalize and add pressure to Barcelona’s title defense.

Twitter was ablaze since then, with many top footballers showering their praises. Former Barcelona player Gary Lineker, who is a big fan of Lionel Messi, quickly joined in the praises for the legend. 

Messi chipped in a penalty to reach another astonishing milestone at Camp Nou but twice Atletico hit back with spot-kicks of their own, Saul Niguez converting both after Barca took an early lead through Diego Costa's own goal.

The result gives Real Madrid the chance to move four points clear at the top of the table if they can overcome Getafe at home on Wednesday, a formidable lead with five games left.

Atletico stay third, two points ahead of Sevilla, who won 3-0 at Leganes.

With a superior head-to-head, it would take a dramatic capitulation for Real Madrid not to lift the trophy from here but there is no guarantee Barcelona can finish strongly enough even to create pressure.

And this is how the world reacted to Messi' brilliance:

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