Lionel Messi Nets Hat-Trick as Barcelona Beat Leganes 3-1 in La Liga Action

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona moved another step closer to the league title with a 3-1 victory over Leganes at Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Argentinian opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick and added a second to ensure the hosts were up 2-0 at half-time. Nabil El Zhar pulled one back for Leganes after the break, but Messi finished the visitors off late in the match.

Sergi Roberto at Left-Back?

Ernesto Valverde has shown this season he doesn't like to make too many changes, but in the midst of a packed schedule, he brought in Thomas Vermaelen, Andre Gomes and Ousmane Dembele. The club's Twitter account shared their lineup:

Perhaps most surprising was the inclusion of Sergi Roberto at left-back. The versatile 26-year-old has been used predominantly at right-back this season, although he featured in midfield against Roma in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Saturday brought yet another change in position as Roberto showed again just how important he is to the Barcelona team. Analyst Laportista said he can become a legendary full-back for Barca:

He was defensively sound but also looked to get forward and support Philippe Coutinho on the left flank, as well as allowing Jordi Alba a rare breather. Roberto has become a key player for Valverde.

Magical Messi Shrugs off Fitness Concerns

Lionel Messi's fitness has been cause for concern after the forward missed Argentina's international friendlies because of a hamstring tweak.

Ahead of Saturday's match, Valverde said he would have to assess whether his talisman needed resting against Leganes after the team's final training session, per Marca.

Messi clearly proved his fitness to Valverde and then went on to show he is still in peak form. His first goal was yet another sublime free-kick, giving him six for the season, per Opta:

Opta showed how he's also scored from outside the box in six consecutive La Liga games:

The second goal came from open play, but once again the Argentinian looked simply unstoppable. He latched on to a pass from Coutinho and beat two defenders before finding the back of the net.

Leganes pulled one goal back, but that seemed to make Messi even more determined. He secured the three points after 87 minutes, controlling a pass from Dembele and dinking it past the goalkeeper.

If Messi is carrying an injury, it certainly isn't affecting his form, although this was another performance that highlighted just how vital he is to Barcelona.

Unbeaten Barca Equal Record

Barcelona remain unbeaten in La Liga this season, which is a remarkable achievement after 31 games.

However, their unbeaten run stretches even further back, and Saturday's victory means they have equalled a long-held record, per Opta:

Barcelona will have the chance to own that record outright next time out when they welcome Valencia to Camp Nou on Saturday.

Marcelino's team have had a fine campaign and even challenged for the title earlier this season, before suffering a drop in form. 

Barcelona have already beaten them in La Liga and the Copa del Rey this season, and one more will see the club make history.

El Zhar Punishes Barcelona Complacency

Barcelona's defence has been their great strength, but there's no doubting the team switched off after going two goals up.

Leganes ought to have scored straight after the break when Claudio Beauvue headed narrowly over the goal after replacing Nordin Amrabat.

However, Barcelona failed to heed the warning and were deservedly punished at the 68-minute mark when Gabriel beat Gerard Pique and found El Zhar, who fired past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona had eased off and gave Leganes a glimmer of hope—until Messi intervened once again.

What Next?

Barcelona head to Roma for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. The Catalan giants will be favourites to progress, as they hold a commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg.

Valverde's men resume La Liga action on Saturday against Valencia, while Leganes will play host to Celta Vigo.