More magical moves from Messi

A third Lionel Messi hat-trick in four games helped Barcelona keep the pressure on La Liga leader Real Madrid as it recorded a 5-1 victory over local rival Espanyol on Sunday.

After falling behind to Sergio Garcia's early strike, Barcelona then took control of the Catalan derby.

Messi's 21st Liga treble, which took him to within two of Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 23 set on Saturday, a Gerard Pique header and neat finish from Pedro, was enough to see Barca take the spoils and leapfrog Atletico Madrid in second place with 34 points.