Last updated on .From the section European Football

Lionel Messi's pride had been affected by negative criticism over his recent form, according to his Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino.

The four-time world footballer scored his first league goals from open play since September, with a brace in Barca's 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday.

Martino said: "Those that are negative do not realise they are affecting his pride.

Messi's mark Messi has now scored 14 league goals v Sevilla - only Atletico (17) & Valencia (15) have conceded more

"When you do that to the best player in the world, this is what happens."

The Argentine forward has had an injury-hit season, and was sidelined for two months with a hamstring problem. Upon returning he failed to score in his first three games before finding the net in the 3-2 home defeat by Valencia at the start of February.

"Leo never goes missing, he is one of the few players in the world that in a few seconds or in a few metres can turn a game. He does it all the time and he did it again against Sevilla," added team-mate Andres Iniesta.

Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga with the win - leading on goal difference from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

On Saturday, Welshman Gareth Bale scored for Real as they defeated Villarreal 4-2, while Atletico suffered a surprise 2-0 loss at Almeria.