LALIGA - Lionel Messi scores 50th hat-trick as Barca beat Sevilla

Lionel Messi scored the 50th hat-trick of his career as Barcelona came from behind to beat Sevilla 4-2 in the La Liga encounter at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday evening.
Former Manchester City forward Jesus Navas had put Pablo Machin's side in the ascendancy in the 22 minutes but the lead lasted only four minutes as Messi equalizes for Blaragunas after blasting in a fine volley from near the edge of the box after Ivan Rakitic was given time to cross from the left.

Barcelona continued to struggle against the Sevilla press and they found themselves behind again before the break. Ter Stegen was forced into a hasty clearance, Pablo Sarabia ran towards the byline and, as the visiting
defence seemed to expect the ball to be going behind, Sarabia cut it back for Mercado to sweep home.

It was an error from goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik that allowed the La Liga holders to level once more after Rakitic cut out his clearance and found Dembele, he squared to Messi, and the captain curled a right-foot strike high into the net.

With only five minutes of normal time left, Messi clipped the ball over Vaclik to put Barcelona ahead for the first time in the encounter after Carles Alena's shot deflected into his path, and he sent Suarez through to lob the keeper in style and seal the win in injury time.
However, Argentina international setting up Luis Suarez for an injury-time to make it 4-2 and send Barcelona to 10 points clear at the top of La Lig, meaning Atletico Madrid need a victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday to keep up the pressure.

Barca head to Madrid for the Copa clash first, before next Saturday's league showdown. Sevilla have a week off until they travel to Huesca.