Barca getting better all the time - Luis Enrique

The Catalans are on the verge of a sixth La Liga title in eight years as victory took them 11 points clear of Atletico Madrid -- who travel to Valencia later on Sunday -- with just 10 games to play.

"It is evident we are well-positioned in the league, but there are plenty of points to play for and meetings with direct rivals to come," said Barca boss Luis Enrique.

"I am very happy to see the team evolve and improve without ever losing their ambition."

Indeed, the European champions look poised to repeat their treble feat of last season as they will also face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final in May and lead Arsenal 2-0 after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

"Without doubt we are where we want to be thanks to the work we've done. No one gifts you anything, but we are getting closer to the final part of the season when we will play for the three titles," added Enrique.

Barca made light work of missing the suspended Neymar, as his replacement Munir El Haddadi put them on course for an 11th straight league win with the opener after just eight minutes.

Messi then took over with a brilliant solo effort before half-time and then converted his 35th goal of the season, despite an earlier two-month injury absence, from the penalty spot.

Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring six minutes from time to take Barca's star front three of Suarez, Messi and Neymar's goal tally for the season to 100.

"These players are so good that when they are in this form it is very difficult to stop them," said Enrique.

"It is the same thing I said at Vallecas (after beating Rayo Vallecano 5-1) three days ago, but today I think we were even better.

"The players do what they like to do and what they like to do is compete and win. That is the characteristic that defines these type of players and this team in recent years."