No worries over Messi's extended goal drought

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino hailed compatriot Lionel Messi's passing ability after the Catalans moved back to the top of La Liga with a 3-0 win over Malaga at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Messi's run without a goal in league play stretched to eight games dating back to September, but after Gerard Pique gave the host the lead, Messi helped create Barca's second and third goals by Pedro Rodriguez and Alexis Sanchez.

The four-time World Player of the Year had also shown his ability to function as a playmaker with three assists for Cristian Tello in Barca's 4-1 win over Levante in midweek.