Messi netted his side’s third goal from the penalty spot on 56 minutes before adding a fourth (63) and fifth (68) as Barca moved a point clear of their fierce rivals.
With Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid slumping 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening, Luis Enrique’s Barca were not in the mood to squander their chance to move top in what turned out to be stroll in some early Spring sunshine.
Luis Suarez’s fifth goal in four matches had given Barcelona a 1-0 lead on five minutes before Gerard Pique prodded home from close range on 49 minutes to double the Barca advantage.
Suarez added his second in stoppage time despite Barca being down to 10 men after Dani Alves was harshly sent off with 11 minutes remaining for a last-ditch tackle on Alberto Bueno. Bueno slotted the penalty seconds after picking himself up off the ground.
Messi’s treble means he has now scored over 40 goals for the Catalan club in the past six seasons and he has now netted a record 24 hat-tricks in Liga – one clear of Cristiano Ronaldo on 23.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Lionel Messi (Barcelona) What can you say about him that hasn’t be said before? When he shines, Barca sparkle. Continues to set new records at the club. He has also netted 32 hat-tricks which is more than any other player turning out for a Spanish club. It was a minor miracle that he didn’t help himself to more goals in a clinical team performance by Luis Enrique’s side.
MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND STATS
