WATCH: Messi Shines, Scores 50th Career Hat Trick as Barcelona Beats Sevilla
On Saturday, Lionel Messi delivered a mesmerizing performance and secured his 50th career hat trick for Barcelona against Sevilla. The victory solidified first place for the Blaugrana and made it that much harder for its opponents Atletico and Real Madrid to challenge for the title.
Pablo Machin's side had taken the lead in the 22nd minute thanks to ex-Man City winger Jesus Navas, but four minutes later the Argentine star made it 1-1 as Ivan Rakitic found his teammate from the left wing, and with a thunderous volley, Messi equalized.
It was his 23rd league goal in the same amount of matches. Sevilla, however, reclaimed the lead just before the break thanks to Gabriel Mercado.
But in the second half, Barcelona tied it 2-2 as Messi grabbed his brace thanks to a well placed right-footed finish.
His day wasn't over as with five minutes remaining in regular time, the Barça star scored a delightful dink over the keeper to make it 3-2. The Argentina star inspired his squad as Luis Suarez took part in the action and made it 4-2 in stoppage time.
With the goal, he secured his 50th career hat trick and three points for the league leaders. In all competitions this season, he now has 33 goals in 32 matches, which includes six in the Champions League.
