Lionel Messi is used to receiving adulation at the Nou Camp but on Sunday he got a rapturous reception from Real Betis fans for a majestic hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4-1 defeat of their opponent yesterday.

Messi opened the scoring with an unstoppable free kick then combined with devastating effect with Luis Suarez to carve Betis open and score a second goal right before half-time.

The Argentine saved his best goal for last, completing a victory which took Barca 10 points clear of second place Atletico Madrid, taking a decisive step towards the title.

Beaten Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez looked on in awe while the home supporters, renowned for devotion to their side, rose to their feet, bowed down to Messi and chanted his name.

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