Messi Turns 33: Barcelona gives Messi an early birthday gift

Bengaluru, June 24: Ivan Rakitic scored his first goal of the season to give Lionel Messi, who turns 33 on Wednesday (June 24), an early birthday gift, as Barcelona edged Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at home to move back to the top of La Liga standings.

Barcelona had slipped off the top of the table after last week's 0-0 draw at Sevilla and put in another sluggish display at an empty Camp Nou, as the star-studded front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann failed to sparkle.

They finally found a way through in the 71st minute when Messi slipped the ball into the path of Croatia midfielder Rakitic, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes and kept his nerve to beat Athletic's in-form goalkeeper Unai Simon.

The win took Barcelona to the top of the standings on 68 points although Real Madrid, on 65, will reclaim their lead due to their superior head-to-head record if they beat Real Mallorca at home on Wednesday.

Results | Points Table | Fixtures

"It was very tough for us to take control of the game, Athletic are a very tough side and did not make it easy for us but I'm delighted to score my first goal of the season," Rakitic said.

"Thirty one league games is a very long time to wait and I'm angry it has taken so long but I'm happy I was able to help the team," he added.

Athletic have beaten Barcelona in the league and Copa del Rey this season and produced a disciplined display as well as crafting a couple of clear chances of their own.

Striker Inaki Williams should have done better when he got a clear sight of goal but lost his footing as he shaped to shoot, while defender Yeray Alvarez came close with a powerful header.

Griezmann was thwarted by Simon midway through the second half and the 120-million-euro forward was taken off soon after, looking glum after another unconvincing display.

He was replaced by 17-year-old Ansu Fati who almost had an instant impact, heading just over the bar.

Barcelona were suddenly playing with more freedom and it required some quick thinking from Messi and Rakitic's cool finish finally broke down Athletic's defence.

(With inputs from Agencies)