GHOST GOAL Lionel Messi scores ghost goal as Barcelona star sees effort cross the line but not given against Valencia

LIONEL MESSI saw a clear goal not given as a lack of goal-line technology in Spain cost Barcelona.

Valencia keeper Neto fumbled Messi's shot over the line but managed to paw it away in top of the table clash.

La Liga's lack of goal-line technology cost the title favourites
Messi and team-mates wheeled away in celebration but were stunned when referee Ignacio Iglesias failed to give it.

The game was goalless at halftime, with Barca leading Valencia by four points in the standings.

Spain's top flight is the only one of Europe's leading five leagues which has so far shunned the use of goal-line technology, much to the frustration of the teams.

Last season Barca were not awarded a goal despite television replays showing the ball had crossed the line during a 1-1 draw with Real Betis.

The Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) announced this month that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system would used in the league from the start of next season, joining Germany's Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A who are using the technology.

VAR involves assistant referees watching the action remotely and then drawing the match referees attention to officiating mistakes or serious incidents that have been missed.

While goal-line technology just determines whether the ball has crossed the line, VAR can also be used for decisions on red cards, penalties and cases of mistaken identity.
The Argentine superstar could barely believe the official had not ruled a goal in his favour