Messi reaches 500-goal mark

Barcelona's Lionel Messi during a match between Sevilla and Barcelona in Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, Seville, Spain on Nov 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Lionel Messi, with his 500th Barcelona goal, and Luis Suarez saved the Spanish champion from a second loss in six days en route to a 2-1 triumph at Sevilla on Sunday.

The win keeps Barca just two points back of Real Madrid, which beat Leganes 3-0, thanks to a double from Gareth Bale.

Madrid also announced that Cristiano Ronaldo will extend his contract with the European champion until 2021.

After a first half dominated by Sevilla, Messi inspired a spirited Barca comeback fresh off a 3-1 loss at Manchester City in the Champions League.

"There is no one like him and our objective as a team is to look for Leo as much as possible," Barca manager Luis Enrique told Spanish TV station Movistar.

"The capacity Messi has to play in any position and interpret what is happening on the field is incredible."

With the cast of Game of Thrones among those watching on in Seville, the match got off to a frantic start.