Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Barcelona's late winner in its 3-2 La Liga victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, on Sunday. Reuters

Boss hails 'best ever' Lionel after his late winner settles dramatic Clasico

MADRID - Barcelona coach Luis Enrique reveled in turning the tables on Real Madrid as Lionel Messi struck deep into stoppage time to edge a thrilling El Clasico 3-2 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday.

Messi's second goal of the night was his 500th for Barcelona and took the Catalans to the top of La Liga.

"For me, he is the best player ever, and I have seen a lot of football," said Enrique.

"In modern football when everyone is tactically and physically better he still makes the difference.

"The fact he has scored his 500th goal shows all of us as Barca fans we are lucky to have him."

The victory saw Barca gain revenge for Sergio Ramos' stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw in December, the last time the teams met.

"It is marvelous for us to win in the 92nd minute," added Enrique.

"It is something that is normally more a characteristic of our rival, but we like to do it too."

Barca leapfrogged Real at the top of the standings thanks to its better head-to-head record. Madrid, though, has a game in hand.

"To score in the 92nd minute is a huge confidence boost," said Enrique, who will leave the club at the end of the campaign.

However, he and Barca captain Andres Iniesta called on Messi, whose contract expires at the end of next season, not to follow him in leaving Camp Nou.

"Barca is an incredible club with many years of history, but without doubt an important part of that history is Leo Messi," Enrique said.

Blessed

"I think the great thing about Leo is that he continues to surprise," said Iniesta.

"After so many years he is still decisive. It is an honor and a blessing for the club to have him."

By contrast, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane rued his side's adventurous approach with 10 men after scoring late to knot the score 2-2.

Messi canceled out Casemiro's opener before halftime, but Barca looked well on the road to victory when Ivan Rakitic's stunning strike put the visitor ahead 2-1 before Madrid captain Ramos was sent off for a wild lunge on Messi.

However, Madrid rallied when a man down as substitute James Rodriguez fired home an equalizer four minutes from time.

"Drawing the game with 10 men, to press high up the field is dangerous and we paid for that," said Zidane.

"I can't criticize the players for anything, though. We gave our all, but we didn't manage to get the three points.

"We didn't deserve to lose, but that is soccer."

Madrid now needs to take at least 16 points from its final six matches to clinch the title.

"There will be much more of a title race now, but it is still in our own hands," added Zidane.

Madrid was also dealt a fresh injury blow for the remainder of its league season and upcoming Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid as Gareth Bale faces another spell on the sidelines.

The Welshman lasted just 38 minutes on his return after missing the last two games with persistent ankle problems.

"I don't regret anything," said Zidane over his decision to start Bale.

"I am disappointed for him. He started the game well and then the injuries we can't control.

"We will see what exactly is the extent of Gareth's injury and hope it is as little as possible."

Agence France-Presse