Lionel Messi is used to receiving adulation at the Nou Camp but on Sunday he got a rapturous reception from rival supporters for a majestic hat-trick in Barcelona‘s 4-1 win at Real Betis.
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 at the top of La Liga with a spectacular first-timed chip from the edge of the area after playing a one-two with Ivan Rakitic.
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.
Luis Suarez injury doubt
Barcelona could be without striker Luis Suarez for their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United.
Suarez, 32, hobbled off in the final minutes of Sunday’s victory over Real Betis having just bagged his 18th LaLiga goal of the campaign.
And Sky Sports claim the Uruguayan will undergo tests on a sprained ankle today.
Suarez was due to join the Uruguay squad for a match against Uzbekistan but will now have to await the outcome of his medical examinations.
Antoine Griezmann transfer
Barcelona director Guillermo Amor has refused to rule out a move for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
It has recently been claimed that he regrets choosing to stay at Atletico after having an offer from Barcelona on the table.
And now, Barcelona director Amor has refused to rule out the Catalan giants pursuing Griezmann again.
“It’s news that comes out, we can not talk about players from other teams,” he said after the club’s 4-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.
“We must respect the situation of Atlético that has just been eliminated [from the Champions League].
“I do not know if there is any contact or if there will be.”