Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao: Goals, Highlights from the 2015/16 La Liga Match

Camp Nou was in the Messi mood on Sunday as Barcelona hosted Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

The Argentinian's fifth Ballon d'Or trophy was shown off before the fixture, and the fans unveiled a massive tifo in recognition of his achievements before kick-off.

It didn't take long for Leo Messi to make an impact.

Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz was sent off in the fourth minute for a foul on Luis Suarez, and he would concede a penalty in the process.

"

DRAMA!!! PENALTY!! KEEPER GIVEN RED CARD for tackle on Suarez #Bracelona VS Athletic #LaLigaBBVA Red card !!! https://t.co/Z0pJ86GtrH

— I TWEET SPORTS (@iTweetSports473) January 17, 2016"

Messi stepped up and made no mistake from the spot.

"

#Messi #FCBAthletic Gooool de Messi Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Bilbao pic.twitter.com/14V27PR5jC

— Futbol Sin Fronteras (@FutSinFrontera) January 17, 2016"

Barcelona's dominant front three combined once again after half an hour, Suarez teeing up Neymar, who calmly clipped the ball over the reserve goalkeeper to double the home side's lead.

And though Messi went off at half time, Suarez and Neymar continued to wreak havoc, the Uruguayan scoring just two minutes after the re-start to extend Barcelona's lead.

"

Golazo de Luis Suárez. 3-0! pic.twitter.com/V8aocOY1Pc

— Alejandro Etcheverry (@AlejoUru1985) January 17, 2016"

And on the hour Neymar was making it look easy, gliding past his defender before squaring for Ivan Rakitic to tap home and make it 4-0.

Suarez was on hand just ten minutes later to help Barcelona match Real Madrid's goal tally earlier in the day:

"

Gol Suarez 5-0 pic.twitter.com/3dqIOYRmzh

— Роке Ojeda (@pokeojeda) January 17, 2016"

And they beat it too, when Suarez nodded home to complete his hat trick with ten minutes to play.

And that was how it ended, Barcelona's 6-0 win moving them above Real Madrid into second on the league table, just two points behind Atletico with a game in hand.

[Twitter]