Two goals in the last three minutes from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez secured an incredible point for Barcelona in a thrilling 4-4 draw away at Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Messi came off the bench to turn the game in Barcelona’s favour in the final stages, but the finale was unlike anything witnessed in La Liga this season, as Villarreal were left heartbroken.

In an action packed game in Castellon, Barcelona flew out of the blocks and into a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes with Philippe Coutinho slotting home from close range on 13 minutes – following a flying run and cross from Brazilian compatriot Malcom – before the former Bordeaux man nodded home his first La Liga goal three minutes later.

The hosts looked shell shocked, but Nigerian teenager Samuel Chukwueze, who was impressive throughout, reduced the deficit before the break, after his initial shot hit the post.

The game continued at a high tempo after the break, and Toko Ekambi hauled Villarreal level shortly after the restart, catching out Barcelona keeper Marc Ter Stegen with a composed finish from a tight angle.

Former Leicester City midfielder Vicente Iborra made it 3-2 with a fine finish on 62 minutes, stealing in behind a static Barcelona defence, before with substitute Carlos Bacca raced onto Santi Cazorla’s pass on 80 minutes, to round Ter Stegen, and make it 4-2.

However Messi, who only came on with half an hour remaining, netted an excellent free kick on 89 minutes after he was upended by Victor Ruiz, to set up a tense finale.

With just seconds remaining, Villarreal failed to clear a corner properly, and Suarez fired home a superb half volley from the edge of the area with the last kick of an incredible tie.