Yahoo News Lionel Messi registers first-half hat trick, scores four goals in Barcelona rout (video)
Lionel Messi went 34 days between La Liga goals for Barcelona.
He barely went 34 minutes between goals on Saturday.
Messi registered a first-half hat trick and added a fourth goal in a 5-0 win vs. overmatched Eibar at the Nou Camp. It was the first time he’d scored in the league for Barcelona since Jan. 19 against Granada.
He completed his hat trick five minutes before halftime, when he set up Antoine Griezmann and ultimately finished the job himself (via beIN Sports):
Messi opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a nice move through the penalty box:
Messi scored his third goal in the 37th minute, then added his fourth the 87th minute off an assist from Martin Braithwaite, making his debut after being signed this week:
Arthur Melo added the fifth right before stoppage time.
It’s been a rather rough month for Barcelona, which has endured some drama off the pitch involving Messi, club director Eric Abidal and president Josep Bartomeu, among others.
The best way to calm the tides? Win.
The best way to win? Have Lionel Messi.
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