Messi hat-trick seals three points for Barca

Barcelona will have been glad to welcome Samuel Umtiti back to La Liga action after suffering a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Ben Yedder, who has enjoyed decent goal scoring form in the Europa League, will have looked to get on the scoresheet for his team.

Both sides came out firing on all cylinders as chances were created right from the get-go. Sevilla took just over a minute to threaten Ter Stegen's goal as Wober layed it off to Promes who's shot could only find the keeper's comfortable grip. Possession and momentum would stay with Sevilla for the majority of the first 20 minutes as they continued to create chances.

Sevilla's efforts finally paid off as Jesus Navas drew first blood for the home side and put Sevilla ahead. The hosts did not have long to enjoy their lead however, as Lionel Messi struck a fabulous volley first time to bring the score level. Rakitic claimed the assist as he put the ball on a plate for Messi to fire home.

Sevilla didn't go down quietly as Mercado slipped it past Ter Stegen for 2-1 and Machin's men went into the break ahead and with all the momentum.

However, it was Barcelona who seemed to emerge from the break with more hunger as they created several early chances. Ousmane Dembele, who had been introduced at half-time, found himself with the ball at his feet in the penalty area but couldn't quite get the all-important finish away before Sevilla's defence closed in.

Likewise, Messi released what looked to be a powerful shot but luckily for Sevilla, Jesus Navas was in the right place at the right time to make the block. The deflection was dealt with well by Vaclik.

Lionel Messi's pressure was relentless as he continued to threaten Sevilla's back three and scored both his and Barcelona's second of the match to draw the visitors level after 65 minutes. A flurry of yellow cards and free-kicks later and the Argentine magician found himself in front of goal yet again.

This time it was for the hat-trick and Barca's front man would not miss such an opportunity. Alena lined up his shot which deflected off Amadou. Who should be there to turn the deflection goalward? Messi put Barcelona in front for the first time in the game and claimed yet another La Liga hat-trick. He now has a healthy sum of 32.

Four minutes of added time were indicated and it seemed as though that would be it for the afternoon's action, but Luis Suarez thought otherwise and claimed a goal for himself, making the score 4-2 to Barca. Of course, Lionel Messi was involved in the final goal, claiming the assist.