LIONEL Messi scored a hat-trick yesterday as Barcelona secured a comfortable victory over Granada to return to the top of La Liga.
The Argentine scored twice in the first 15 minutes and added another after the break to take his season’s tally to 18, as Barca made it 20 games unbeaten.
Messi put Barcelona in command with composed close-range finishes to Luis Suarez-inspired moves.
He followed up to add a 58th-minute third, before Neymar lobbed the fourth.
Barca’s hold on top spot could however be short-lived as they will surrender their position if Atletico win at Celta Vigo today.