Lionel Messi recorded his 37th Barcelona hat-trick as he helped his side to a 4-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Argentine pounced on a Fernandinho slip in the first half to break the deadlock, and added a second following the break a few minutes after Claudio Bravo was sent off for handling outside of the box.
It was another City mistake that led to the third goal of the night, with an errant pass finding its way to Luis Suarez, who did brilliantly to unselfishly square the ball for Messi who made it look easy with his finish past Willy Caballero.
That's now 37 @FCBarcelona hat-tricks for Lionel Messi…yes, 37!? #UCL #FCBCity https://t.co/wmPo5nGcT3
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) October 19, 2016
Barcelona could have had four but Neymar missed from the penalty spot after Aleksandar Kolarov brought down Messi in the box, but fortunately for the Brazilian international he was able to make amends shortly after with a well-taken goal from an assist from Messi as he kept his composure and produced an excellent finish.
City had their chances but ultimately Barca were clinical and deserved their win as Pep Guardiola had a return to the Nou Camp to forget.