Messi trio steals Barcelona in the lead

Lionel Messi scored three goals to help Barcelona top the Primera Liga by ten points after beating Real Betis 4-1 on Sunday.
Barcelona has a 66-point lead, 10 points over Atletico Madrid, which sank 2-0 against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, third in Real Madrid with 54 points.
Messi opened the scoring in the usual way since a free kick in the 18th minute before doubling the gap at the end of the first period with a powerful shot from inside the box.
Luis Suarez added the third goal superbly after dodging more than one defender and shooting in the goal in the 63rd minute.
Loren Moron narrowed the gap to Betis, who finished eighth with 39 points, eight minutes from the end.
But he had more time to add a charming touch to Messi when he received Ivan Rakitic's pass and shot the goalkeeper inside the box to throw the ball in the 85th minute.
The Argentinian almost added the fourth goal to the balance of the last touch of the match, but a rebound shot from the post.
Barcelona has been avenged after losing 4-3 at home against Betis in November, a showdown that saw Messi score two goals.