IN SPORT.ES
Lionel Messi ran riot at the Benito Villamarin, scoring his 33rd hat-trick in La Liga and sending Barcelona 10 points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top.
Luis Suarez contributed too, setting up Messi for a goal with a brilliant backheel and netting a wonderful strike himself, but by the end the world and its dog were only talking about his Castelldefels neighbour.
Messi broke the deadlock with a remarkable free-kick, straight into the top corner, and yet somehow by the end of the night, it was Barcelona’s least impressive goal.
The second was a work of art crafted by Luis Suarez with a backheel that dumbfounded Betis’ defence, and Messi slotted home with a neat flicked finish.
Suarez blasted in the third after a sensational dribble which again left Betis’s backs in bits, including ex-Barca man Marc Bartra (what did he ever do to you, Luis?).
Loren Moron pulled one back for the hosts but Messi was at it again, saving the best for last, as he drafted a succulent lob over the head of Pau Lopez from the edge of the area.
An impossible goal from an impossible player.