Lionel Messi meets the standing ovation of Real Betis supporters after a hat trick

Lionel Messi received a standing ovation from nearly 55,000 opposition supporters after his superb hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Real Betis.

Argentina opened the scoring at Benito Villamarin with a magnificent freekick before doubling the advantage before halftime.

And he completed the score in Sevilla with a superb full-time chip.

While Messi celebrated this effort – which had earned him the 51st triplet of his career -, the whole stadium rose to applaud the No. 10 Barcelona; some local supporters even bowed, others joined the small itinerant contingent of Barcelona to sing his name.

Speaking after the meeting, who saw the Barca further strengthen his grip on La Liga, Messi said about the ovation: "I am very grateful

"It never happened before.

"They [Betis fans] we always treat very well, whether we are rival or not. "

Ernesto Valverde surprised more than one with a change of formation, giving up the usual 4-3-3 of Barca to move to 4-4-2 Diamond, with Arturo Vidal to support Messi and Luis Suarez.

This allowed Betis, who won 4-3 at Camp Nou earlier this season, to see the ball deep, especially in the first period.

"It's a team that treats the ball very well," he added.

"However, we did not suffer for a moment, we were very organized.

"Sometimes we have to adapt our style to the opponent and, at certain times of the matches, we have to be ready for anything."

The defeat for Atletico Madrid on Saturday leaves Barcelona 10 points ahead of its closest rivals, Real Madrid two points off third place.

"After the defeat of Atletico, we could not falter," continued Messi. "It is a very important victory today.

"The goals are important because they allow us to take three points and we have enjoyed a very good opportunity."