Hat-trick for Messi as Barcelona Whack Mallorca to Regain Top Spot

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the week he was crowned the world’s best player as Barcelona eased to a 5-2 home win over Real Mallorca and reclaimed top spot in LaLiga.

Antoine Griezmann gave Barca a seventh-minute lead then Messi took over with a couple of goals, either side of Ante Budimir’s strike against the run of play.

Luis Suarez added a fourth before the end of the first half with a sublime back-heel to round off a fluid passing move.

Budimir pulled another back for Mallorca 26 minutes from time, but Messi rounded off his hat-trick towards the end of the game as Barca maintained their good form and overtook Real Madrid at the summit.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen claimed a second assist of the season with a quick goal-kick that Griezmann collected and lifted over Manolo Reina after racing through on goal.

Reina produced an impressive save to keep out the returning Sergio Busquets’ header, but Messi found a way past the visiting keeper 95 seconds later with a 25-yard curler.

Mallorca, now winless in seven away league outings this season, gave themselves hope when Budimir’s shot deflected off Clement Lenglet and looped over Ter Stegen.

But Messi took matters into his own hands with another trademark goal from range, before Suarez capped a fine piece of team play by back-heeling in from eight yards.

Reina frustrated Ernesto Valverde’s men with a string of saves and Budimir then headed in from close range to once again give Mallorca a foothold on the game.

Barcelona now have 34 points- same as those of Real Madrid, on the La Liga table, but sit on top, thanks to goal difference.

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