Lionel Messi’s late penalty helped Barcelona squeak past Real Sociedad to move top of La Liga.

The victory lifts Barca two points clear of Real Madrid, but Zinedine Zidane’s side can regain top spot with victory at Real Betis on Sunday.

The home side’s spot-kick was awarded when Robin le Normand was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor, allowing Messi to convert.

Sociedad’s best chance of the game was wasted when Alexander Isak smashed a shot wide when well placed.

Barca thought they had wrapped up victory in the 95th minute when Jordi Alba tapped into an open net, but substitute Ansu Fati was adjudged to be narrowly offside by VAR.

Messi seemed to be off form missing several promising chances, but Barca’s skipper stepped up with the matching winning goal from the spot for his 19th league goal of the season.