Barcelona gave up the chance to put some space in between themselves and Valencia, who sustained their four-point gap with La Liga leaders. Valverde's men almost lost the clash at Mestalla, but for Jordi Alba coming to the rescue with eight minutes to go.
However, Barcelona should have taken the lead in the first half, but Messi's shot was deemed not to have crossed the line. The Argentine made his feelings clear to the officials at half-time, while teammate Luis Suarez was furious at the decision.
As reported by Spanish daily 'As', the Uruguayan striker unleashed a foul-mouthed rant at the linesman for not awarding the goal: "You s**t yourself. You f*****g midget!," he appeared to shout.
La Liga are set to introduce VAR technology next season after the incident brought to the fore the need for such measures. Luis Suarez, on the other hand, could face action for the abuse launched at the official.
Luis Suárez al asistente: "¡Eres un cagón! ¡Enano de mierda!" #ElDíaDespués pic.twitter.com/aAK3ebN2Vs
— La Casa del Fútbol en Movistar+ (@casadelfutbol) 27 November 2017