Messi and Barca congratulate NBA champions Warriors

The Golden State Warriors received plenty of congratulatory messages after clinching their second NBA championship in three seasons, notably from Lionel Messi and Barcelona.

Kevin Durant led the way as the Warriors dethroned defending champions the Cleveland Cavaliers thanks to a 129-120 game-five win on Monday.

The Thunder surrendered a 3-1 series last season to allow LeBron James and the Cavs to break through for their first NBA crown.

But there was to be no repeat of that slipup as Spanish and LaLiga giants Barca paid tribute to the Warriors, who ended the postseason with a 16-1 win-loss record.

Durant – who swapped the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Warriors in the off-season – walked away with the Finals MVP award after scoring 39 points in game five.

Warriors team-mate Steph Curry put up 34 points and 10 assists as Golden State won their fifth title.