Lionel Messi Scores Hat-Trick in Catalan Derby for Barcelona vs. Espanyol

Lionel Messi capped a superb first half for Barcelona with an equalising goal in their La Liga clash with neighbours Espanyol.

The visitors had struck early to stun the hosts, but Messi hit back with a placed finish late in the half.

As you can see from a second angle, the placement was out of this world:  

"

Holy Toledo. I can't get a bowling ball to curve like that, much less a football. Messi is extraordinary. https://t.co/sopdwaCcbY

— Laura (@xylaurazee) December 7, 2014"

He had also come agonisingly close with a free-kick which hit the woodwork:

"

Ahí la puso Messi, cerca. Al palo. http://t.co/Q0vkuzH0z0

— Fantasía Fútbol (@FantasiaFutbol) December 7, 2014"

His vision to pick out Jordi Alba with this deep cross was spectacular as well:

"

RT @InsiderFCB: Casi empata Alba, pase de genio de Messi. https://t.co/qitI1SbUEZ

— totalBarça (@totalBarca) December 7, 2014"

Early in the second half, he struck again, a moment of opportunism allowing him through:

"

Goal Messi!! هدف ميسي!! https://t.co/HkdEAJHGwr

— Alexándera #255 (@Luizituo) December 7, 2014"

And the hat-trick duly followed:  

"

MESSI'S GOAL TO DO THE HAT TRICK https://t.co/21bSxr95xu

— ruby c (@rubeeec) December 7, 2014"

[Twitter]