Lionel Messi scored a hat trick and ensured Barcelona equalled a La Liga record of 38 matches without defeat by beating Leganés 3-1 on Saturday. Reaching the mark set by Sociedad underscores the exceptional job Valverde has done in his first year with the team. This win opened up a 12-point lead over second-placed Atlético Madrid, who face Real in the Madrid derby on Sunday. Messi scored his seventh free-kick of the season before completing his third league hat-trick of 2017-18. Messi followed his 27th-minute opener with a second goal five minutes later, slotting in a low strike after Philippe Coutinho met his run into the box.

Source: The Guardian April 07, 2018 21:33 UTC