Soccer-Magical Messi hits four as Barcelona thrash Eibar

MADRID, Sept 19 2017: Lionel Messi struck four goals as Barcelona romped past Eibar 6-1 on Tuesday to extend their lead at the top of La Liga and maintain their 100 percent record.

The Argentine was at his brilliant best as he lethally picked off the demoralised Basques, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after Nelson Semedo was brought down by Alex Galvez.

With Barcelona leading 3-1, Messi struck three more times to help the Catalans move up to 15 points from five games, five clear of second-placed Sevilla, having played one match more.

Paulinho had headed home from a corner to score Barcelona's second before halftime.

It was his second goal in the last two games, a feat matched by Denis Suarez who increased Barcelona's lead to 3-0, before Sergi Enrich pulled one back for Eibar.