FRESHLY-SHAVED Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick to help Barcelona beat Betis 4-1 and extend their La Liga lead over Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine reminded again how fantastic a free-kick taker he is and then completed his treble with a marvellous dink over helpless Pau Lopez – with Luis Suarez bagging one for himself before coming off injured.
Lionel Messi bagged a first-half double to inspire Barcelona to a win over BetisGetty Images - GettyMessi scored a fantastic free-kick in the first half, doubling the lead seconds before the breakEPALuis Suarez pulled off a solo run before sending the ball past Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez to kill the game offAFP OR LICENSORS
Perhaps because he is superstitious, or he just needed a change in his demeanour, Messi ditched his characteristic beard and then went on to inspiring Barcelona to a convincing win over Betis.
The Catalans seized on Atletico Madrid’s stumble this weekend, who lost 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao, and are now ten points clear at the top of the La Liga table.
Messi’s superb form continues as just on Wednesday he orchestrated Barcelona’s march through to the Champions League quarter-finals with a couple of goals and assist against Lyon at Nou Camp.
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