Lionel Messi's 3 finest El Clasico performances

#1 2006-07 LaLiga: Real Madrid 3-3 Barcelona

Lionel Messi

Days after Real Madrid and Barcelona were knocked out of European contention, the two biggest clubs in Spain met in a league El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Three times Madrid led and thrice Barcelona fought back to claim a share of the spoils in a thrilling six-goal encounter. The opening quarter hour of the game produced three goals.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's 4th minute opener provided the early lead for the capital club before Messi, playing his first El Clasico, scored a 10th minute equalizer for the visitors.

Van Nistelrooy's second of the game two minutes later restored Madrid's lead but Messi pegged back the home side once again midway through the first half. When Oleguer Presas saw two yellows in quick succession and the visitors were reduced to 10 men, the game looked like Madrid's for the taking - especially with an entire half to play.

With Frank Rijkaard withdrawing forward Samuel Eto'o to rejig his initial 3-4-3 formation, Madrid dominated in the second half. Sergio Ramos's 72nd minute strike looked to have earned all three points for the visitors until Messi intervened just as full-time beckoned.

Exhibiting immaculate composure and ice-cool temperament not usually associated with a 19-year-old, Messi collected the ball five yards outside the area, carried it past Iván Helguera and slotted a calm finish beyond the Madrid keeper Iker Casillas.

It was a performance that earned a rare standing ovation from the Bernabeu faithful as Messi walked away with the 'man of the match' award.