Barcelona’s 4-1 win at Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday evening was described by commentators as “the Lionel Messi show”.
The Argentine scored a magnificent hat-trick, including a free-kick and a deft chip, which many fans are calling his best ever goal. In fact the hat-trick strike was so good that even Betis fans stood and chanted Messi’s name afterwards.
Messi, who has now scored 51 career hat-tricks for Barcelona, said after the match: “I’m very grateful. It’s never happened to me before. They [Betis fans] always treat us very well, regardless of whether we’re rivals.”
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde added: “Our opponents suffer because of Messi, but they also enjoy him. His match was extraordinary, he’s scored three goals and also made a fourth.
“The public has recognised his talent, they are enjoying seeing him in his prime and they respect him for the player he is.”
In his 37 matches this season, the 31-year-old has now scored 39 goals, including four hat-tricks, and has 18 assists. His 27 goals so far in La Liga this term make him the top scorer in Europe’s top five divisions in 2018-19.
Media reactions to Messi’s hat-trick
It wasn’t just the Betis fans who applauded Messi’s latest star performance. Football pundits and supporters across Europe also praised the Barca forward.
BBC Sport’s Saj Chowdhury said Messi scored a hat-trick of the “highest quality” while Goal.com’s Rik Sharma added: “The Argentina was spectacular once again on a night where even the opposing fans had to relish in his greatness.”
Marca’s Geoff Gillingham praised the Argentinian as he “proved to be the difference” for the La Liga leaders. AS.com’s Paul Reidy called his display a “Messi masterclass”.
Former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: “Another truly sensational hat-trick from Messi. He’s beginning to be predictable.”
How Twitter reacted to the GOAT’s great goal
Football fans and pundits hailed the “GOAT” for his hat-trick and stunning chip. Here we look at some of the best Tweets.