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WATCH: Lionel Messi hits post three times in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Real Betis

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Watch Lionel Messi's attempts to score for Barcelona against Betis, only to be thwarted by the woodwork

It proved unlucky 13 for Barcelona's Lionel Messi as he hit the post three times against Real Betis to end a run of 12 straight home matches in La Liga with a goal.

It also meant Messi's 350th La Liga goal proved elusive during Barca's 2-0 victory over Betis on an emotional night in Catalonia on Sunday.

The 30-year-old was denied by the post in the 35th minute after his shot comprehensively beat goalkeeper Adan.

Messi went agonisingly close once again on the hour when he ended a scintillating run with a curling left-foot shot which once again clipped the foot of the post, with Adan helpless.

Barca were rampant, but their Argentinian superstar's luck had for once deserted him with the woodwork coming to Betis' rescue for a third time with nine minutes remaining, this time repelling his blistering rising drive leaving his latest landmark remaining frustratingly beyond his grasp.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi gestures during the Spanish league footbal match FC Barcelona vs Real Betis at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelo
Image: Messi was left scratching his head after hitting the post three times

However, an evening on which the club paid tribute to the victims of last week's terror attack in the city before kick-off ended in satisfactory fashion for the Catalan giants, with Alin Tosca's own goal and a second from Sergi Roberto handing new manager Ernesto Valverde victory in his first league game at the helm.

That it was achieved without the departed Neymar and injured duo Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez - and without Messi finding the back of the net - may be a source of encouragement after a difficult start to the campaign.

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Watch Lionel Messi's unlucky night by hitting play on the video at the top of the page!

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