Barca win but lose Iniesta with serious injury

Andres Iniesta's serious knee injury overshadowed another stellar performance by Lionel Messi yesterday, when the Barcelona forward scored a second goal in stoppage time to earn a 3-2 win at Valencia.

The hotly contested game was marred both by Enzo Perez's tackle that sent Iniesta off on a stretcher and a fan throwing a water bottle at Barcelona's players while they celebrated Messi's winner. The bottle appeared to strike Neymar's head and also impact other Barcelona players when it was tossed into their tight huddle.

The defending champions rose to the top of the Spanish league. Barcelona is one point ahead of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid before they play their matches today.

The victory, however, came at a high price: An injury to Barcelona's captain and key playmaker.

Iniesta clutched his right knee and called out for help from the team doctors when he was cut down by Perez in the 12th minute.

"The worst news is Iniesta's injury," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said. "But the team showed the desire it has. How we won says a lot about the spirit and character of this team."

Iniesta's knee appeared to buckle when he was hit by Perez's aggressive tackle. He was clearly in pain and held a hand over his face when he was put on the stretcher and carried off. Ivan Rakitic replaced him.

The club issued a medical report saying Iniesta had injured a ligament and part of his right knee. The 32-year-old World Cup winner will undergo further tests when he returns to Barcelona.

"We will miss him a lot and hope he is back with us as soon as possible," Barcelona's Sergio Busquets said. "It was a very hard and physical match."

Messi opened the scoring and had the last word of the wild match when he beat Diego Alves with a well-taken penalty kick that slid just between the diving goalkeeper and the post.

Messi rifled in his first goal from the edge of the area.

Valencia rallied to take the lead on goals by Munir El Haddadi, who is on loan from Barcelona, and Rodrigo Moreno early in the second half before Luis Suarez scored to make it 2-2 in the 62nd.

Messi then snatched the win from the penalty spot with 90 minutes complete after he passed the ball to Suarez, who was fouled by Aymen Abdennour in the box.