Lionel Messi bags 33rd La Liga hat trick as Barcelona thrash Real Betis

Messi celebrates free-kick goal

An unusual, yet powerful performance was given by Barcelona in the league game versus Betis yesterday. Barcelona didn't dominate possession (43.9%), which was so unlike them, recording their lowest possession in a league game since the 2004-05 season, but that didn't matter as they were so clinical with their counterattack. Valverde's 4-4-2 diamond midfield lineup worked out so well, with Philippe Coutinho dropped for Arturo Vidal to be added as fourth midfield player.

Arturo was particularly constructive in the midfield, assisting the Messi-Suarez attack duo. He won the free-kick Messi converted into a goal in the 18th minute. Messi scored Barcelona's second goal just before the break thanks to a superb no-look back-heel assist from Luis Suarez.

Construct to Suarez's goal

Suarez grabbed his own goal in the 63rd minute, a solo effort in which he outran four Betis players and tucked a beautiful goal. Betis were able to make their presence felt on the scoresheet, with a goal from substitute Lorenzo Moron.

Barcelona's best goal of the night was the last, scored by Messi in the 85th minute - he chipped a left-footed shot over Pau Lopez into the far right corner from the left side of the box, earning him a standing ovation from Betis fans. The ever-humble Barcelona captain said, "I don’t remember a night like this (being applauded by rival supporters), I’m really grateful for the way the fans responded," said Messi, having completed his 33rd league hat-trick. "I was just lucky that they went in and that we got the three points."

Suarez picked up a late ankle injury and was limping heavily on the final whistle. Coutinho replaced him for the final 45 seconds. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez got the highest ratings by ESPN following their outstanding contributions to Barcelona's victory. They were rated 10/10 and 8/10 respectively. The remarks made by ESPN on their performance are:

FW Lionel Messi, 10 -- You can more or less copy and paste what's been said already this season. Has now scored two more goals on 11 occasions this season and has netted four hat-tricks. Can score free kicks, can finish off free-flowing team moves, can score chips from the edge of the box... all while dropping deap and creating play, too.

FW Luis Suarez, 8 -- Almost the prototype Luis Suarez performance. Missed two chances like he was a non-league striker but produced two moments of pure brilliance. The no-look, back-heel assist for Messi was good, the powerful run, which saw off three Betis players and ended with a goal, was probably better.

Following yesterday's victory, Barcelona are now 10 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who lost to Atletico Bilbao on Saturday.

Messi has had a formidable run this season, with 29 league goals in just 24 starts, and an overwhelming 39 goals in all competitions. He is also the top assist provider in the big five European Leagues, having set up 21 goals in all competitions. Luis Suarez on 18 La Liga goals this season is the second highest scorer in the league, after Messi.

Messi's performance at the Benito Villamarin stadium was so outstanding that he was hailed by both Betis and Barcelona fans. There are 10 matchdays left in La Liga, and Barcelona are definitely closing in on the title. With their magician at his peak, winning the Copa del Rey and the Champions League are fathomable prospects, aren't they?

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