Spanish La Liga leaders Barcelona surprisingly played out a 1-1 draw at struggling outfit Las Palmas as they fail to extend their lead over title rivals Atletico Madrid to seven points.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi scored a 21st minute freekick to edge Barcelona 1-0 ahead for this 23rd league goal of the season before the home side equalised from a controversial penalty just after the interval.

The draw takes Barcelona to 66 points and five points ahead of Atletico Madrid (60 points) while Las Palmas stay in 18th spot but the point gained put them level on 20 points with Levante in the last place outside the relegation zone.