![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/2.48218968.jpg\")
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, including two stunning free-kicks, as Barcelona saw off Celta Vigo 4-1 at the Nou Camp to regain top spot in La Liga.<\/p>\nLionel Messi scored a hat-trick, including two stunning free-kicks, as Barcelona saw off Celta Vigo 4-1 at the Nou Camp to regain top spot in La Liga.<\/p>\n
Real Madrid had earlier kept the pressure on their rivals with a convincing 4-0 win at Eibar.<\/p>\n
Messi set Barca on their way with a penalty, but Lucas Olaza equalized with a fine free-kick for Celta\u2019s first goal under new boss Oscar Garcia.<\/p>\n
The Barcelona number 10, though, soon had his side back in front just before half-time when he crashed home another superb deadball strike.<\/p>\n
Messi completed his treble early in the second half, clipping the ball up and over the wall from 25 yards, and Sergio Busquets crashed in a late fourth.<\/p>\n
Barcelona are level on 25 points with Real Madrid, top on goal difference, while Real Sociedad are now two behind following their draw against Leganes on Friday.<\/p>\n
Celta had been able to limit Barcelona\u2019s attacking intent during the opening exchanges, with Messi seeing a low shot comfortably saved by Ruben Blanco.<\/p>\n
The home side were awarded a penalty in the 20th minute for a handball by Joseph Aidoo. Messi made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.<\/p>\n
Barca, though, had been forced into a change before the kick could be taken as Nelson Semedo limped off with a calf injury, replaced by Sergio Busquets.<\/p>\n
Messi thought he had scored again from Arthur\u2019s cutback, but the ball had run out of play in the build-up.<\/p>\n
The Argentine forward then tracked back to concede a free-kick just outside the Barcelona penalty area in the 42nd minute.<\/p>\n
Celta left-back Lucas Olaza stepped up to curl a wonderful effort over the wall and into the right side of the goal.<\/p>\n
There was, though, still time for Barcelona to regain the lead before half-time.<\/p>\n
Arthur was fouled some 25 yards out \u2013 and Messi promptly lashed the free-kick into the top corner.<\/p>\n
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde sent on Ousmane Dembele to replace Ansu Fati for the start of the second half.<\/p>\n
The French forward was soon in the action, lashing a low drive which was just off target.<\/p>\n
Celta conceded another free-kick in a dangerous position just outside their own penalty area three minutes into the second half.<\/p>\n
Messi needed no second invitation as clipped a left-foot shot up over the wall once again, which flew past Blanco and into the top corner to complete his hat-trick \u2013 matching the record of Cristiano Ronaldo of 34 in LaLiga.<\/p>\n
Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to be alert when tested by a long-range effort from Celta winger Pione Sisto.<\/p>\n
At the other end, Antoine Griezmann was played clear by Messi, but Blanco was out quickly to make a smart save.<\/p>\n
Luis Suarez replaced the France forward for the closing 18 minutes.<\/p>\n
Defender Busquets produced a fine strike of his own with five minutes left, lashing home an angled drive from 20 yards.<\/p>\n