Messi shines as Barca survive scare to see off Rayo

Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - March 9, 2019 Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action REUTERS/Albert Gea

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Lionel Messi created a goal and scored another as Barcelona came from behind to beat struggling Rayo Vallecano 3-1 at home on Saturday and stay seven points clear at the top of La Liga.

Rayo, who have now lost their last 12 games against Barca, took a shock lead midway through the first half when forward Raul de Thomas -- who is on loan from Real Madrid -- ran past two defenders before arrowing a shot into the bottom corner.