Lionel Messi scores twice against Levante to keep Barcelona perfect

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring from the penalty spot in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Levante. Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters

Lionel Messi scored one penalty and missed another as his double helped Barcelona sweep aside Levante in the second half in a 4-1 victory that maintained their perfect La Liga start.

Last season’s treble winners lead the standings with 12 points ahead of three teams, including arch-rivals Real Madrid, on 10.

The defender Marc Bartra showed composure to open the scoring by converting a Messi cross after 50 minutes with Barça having been frustrated in the first half by a well-organised Levante side.

After the game opened up Neymar finished clinically after 55 minutes and won a penalty on the hour which was converted by Messi.

At the other end, the Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen flapped at a cross that allowed Victor Casadesús to slot home after 65 minutes.

Messi blazed a second penalty over the bar after he was fouled but the Argentine did score again with a drive from the edge of the area a minute from time.