Lionel Messi scored one penalty and missed another as his double helped Barcelona sweep aside Levante in the second half in a 4-1 victory that maintained their perfect La Liga start.


Last season’s treble winners lead the standings with 12 points ahead of three teams, including arch-rivals Real Madrid, on 10.


The defender Marc Bartra showed composure to open the scoring by converting a Messi cross after 50 minutes with Barça having been frustrated in the first half by a well-organised Levanteside.