Lionel Messi struck a quartet of goals as Barcelona claimed a 5-1 victory from their home encounter against Osasuna in the Camp Nou this evening.
The Argentine international notched his first of the match with just 11 minutes on the clock. Visiting goalkeeper Andres Fernandez only found Xavi with a clearance, who in turn picked out Messi inside the area. The 25-year-old then rounded Fernandez, before rolling the ball into the net.
Barca continued to dominate, but then saw their advantage cancelled out in the 24th minute as Frenchman Raoul Loe beat Victor Valdes with a low strike from the edge of the area.
However, just three minutes later the game's major talking point swung the match firmly in the home side's favour. Javi Arribas was handed his marching orders for handling the ball inside the area and Messi stepped up to restore his side's lead from the penalty spot.
The same player almost completed his hat-trick with 39 minutes played, but his headed effort cannoned to safety off the post following a cross by Dani Alves from the right wing.
Just one minute later though, the Catalan outfit did have their third goal. Alves was the architect, sending in a low pass for Spanish international Pedro to convert from close range.
Messi went on to complete the scoring with a brace of goals in two second-half minutes. His first arrived in the 56th minute when he rounded Fernandez for a second time to score, then moments later he turned in a cross from Adriano.
Barcelona continued to be the dominant force, but spurned a number of chances to ensure that the scoreline remained 5-1 when the final whistle was blown.
Liam Apicella
