Messi shines in sparkling Barcelona Christmas stroll

Madrid, Spain - Barcelona go into the brief Spanish winter break on top of Spanish League after a glittering show from Lionel Messi helped the defending champion beat Alaves 4-1 on Saturday.

Real Madrid, which drew 0-0 in Barcelona in the midweek El Clasico, can draw level top on 39 points but behind on goal difference if it wins at home to Atletico Bilbao on Sunday. Seville is assured third place over Christmas on 34 points after its 2-0 win in Mallorca on Saturday.

French star Antoine Griezzman put Barca ahead with a lovely snap-shot from outside the area after a slick exchange with Messi on 14 minutes. Mohican-haired Chilean forward Arturo Vidal bagged a second just before half-time when put into open space on the right as Barcelona overwhelmed the visitors.

Pere Pons pulled one back on 56 minute for Alaves with neither Gerard Pique nor the returning Samuel Umtiti on hand as his header flew home from close range.

Even with four defenders around him, Messi was unstopabble on 69 minutes as he unleashed a trademark left foot strike from outside the box.

The goal illustrated why the diminutive attacker recently won a sixth Ballon d'Or. A sweetly-struck Luis Suarez penalty made it 4-1.

Barca fined

Madrid, Spain -

Barcelona has been fined US$1,660 and warned the Camp Nou could be closed after beach balls were thrown on to the pitch during this week's El Clasico against Real Madrid, the Spanish football federation announced on Friday.

Inflatable balls were tossed on to the field on Wednesday in a politically charged fixture. The match was held up for 90 seconds as Barca made a substitution in the 55th minute due to the objects on the field.