Barca completed a dazzling 3-1 win in La Liga over Atletico 10 days ago but, on their return to Camp Nou, Diego Simeone's reigning Spanish champions turned in a performance recalling memories of the organisation and intensity that saw them avoid defeat over six games against the Catalan club last season.
Luis Suarez spurned a glorious chance to break the deadlock nine minutes before half-time as a fixture responsible for numerous memorable moments over recent seasons failed to fully come to life.
Despite tightening their usual grip on possession as the match progressed, Barcelona were frustrated by a staunch Atletico backline until Sergio Busquets tumbled under minimal contact when a Messi free-kick was partially cleared.
Visiting goalkeeper Jan Oblak superbly got a firm hand to the Argentinian's spot-kick, but he was helpless to prevent Messi from netting the rebound.
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