Messi hat-trick helps Barcelona equal record unbeaten streak

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner chested down Ousmane Dembele’s pass and dinked the ball over Cuellar with consummate ease.

“To score goals is always good. We think that Messi has to stay active and he avoids any muscular problems,” added Valverde.

“He’s doing well and we saw that tonight. Looking forward to the next matches, the way he played is good news for us.”

? The Barça boss praised his side after Saturday’s record-equalling result ?https://t.co/S1IxT2Mnym

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 8, 2018

Barca will now turn their attentions to avoiding a disaster in Italy as they defend a 4-1 first-leg lead, still bidding to complete the treble with a Copa del Rey final against Sevilla to come in a fortnight’s time.

Earlier on Saturday, Sevilla’s hopes of qualifying for Europe next season took a hit with a 4-0 thumping at Celta Vigo.

Vincenzo Montella’s side were taken apart by former striker Iago Aspas’ hat-trick, as the ex-Liverpool man strengthened his claim for a place in Spain’s World Cup squad.

Sevilla face Bayern Munich on Wednesday’s at the Allianz Arena needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Real Betis moved up to fifth with a fourth straight win as they saw off Eibar 2-0, while Alaves all but secured safety by beating Getafe.