MADRID (Reuters) - Lionel Messi struck four goals as Barcelona romped to a 6-1 win over Eibar to extend their lead at the top of La Liga on Tuesday and maintain their 100 percent record. With Barca leading 3-1, Messi struck three more times to help the Catalans reach 15 points from five games, five clear of second-placed Sevilla, having played one match more. Valencia moved up to third after romping to a 5-0 win over bottom side Malaga with Simone Zaza netting a hat-trick. After Messi broke the deadlock Paulinho headed home from a corner to score Barcelona's second before halftime. Substitute Aleix Vidal teed Messi up for his fourth in the 87th minute as the Argentine's magic touch gave what had been a solid but unspectacular Barcelona performance some sparkle.

Source: The Star September 19, 2017 22:07 UTC