FC Barcelona climbed up to second place in Primera Liga (the Spanish soccer league) after beating Sevilla 2-1 with a late goal from striker Lionel Messi on Saturday - a good way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Camp Nou stadium.

The Argentinean striker was also the one who opened the score. After a goalless first half, Messi scored in the 73rd minute after a brilliant pass from Thierry Henry. The French striker had previously missed several chances and hit the post for the third time in as many matches. His frustration was obvious as he has yet to register a Primera Liga goal.

Just six minutes later, Messi scored Barcelona’s second goal after Giovani won a penalty. He was fouled near the far post by Poulsen after a corner kick executed by Marquez and Messi took the responsibility of converting the penalty kick and nailed it in the 79th minute to give the Catalans the decisive advantage.

Sevilla tried to come back in the game and increased pressure at the other end, but Kanoute’s late goal proved to be only a consolation as Barcelona held on to the lead to move within one point of Real Madrid, who currently are in first place and on Sunday will play the newly promoted Valladolid. Sevilla are in third place with six points.

Despite a 67 per cent possession rate, Barcelona actually struggled to find the key to open Sevilla’s well organized defense. They had several scoring chances in the first half trough Eric Abidal, Deco and the ubiquitous Messi but failed to deliver. Sevilla also came close to opening the score as Renato hit the Barca bar with a looping header.

Coach Frank didn’t start Ronaldinho because of the Brazilian's supposed right leg injury, but the main reason could be his recently suspected unprofessional nightlife. With the double against Sevilla and recent display of super class both in the domestic league and the Champions League, Messi could soon take Ronaldinho’s place in the hearts of Barcelona’s fans.

"The player finished Friday's training session with discomfort due to a pulled calf muscle in his right leg and this has continued today," Barcelona website read.

"He is out of the match against Sevilla and in the next few days we'll see if his progress will allow him to be available for the upcoming games."

The celebration of 50 years on Camp Nou was held before the match as English architect Norman Foster displayed his plans for the modernizing of the legendary stadium.