Lionel Messi was back to his brilliant best and scored four goals, including a first-half hat-trick, against Eibar to end his longest goal drought in six years.
The Barcelona forward had gone just four games without finding the back of the net – which incredibly was his second longest spell without scoring since the 2013/14 season, when he went eight matches firing blanks.
His first was typical of the forward’s talent. Picking up the ball outside the area Messi weaved his way past three defenders before slotting home.
Messi’s second was similar, driving through the Eibar defence and doubling Barcelona’s lead.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
And the 32-year-old made it three after 40 minutes at the Nou Camp. Taking advantage of some poor defending from the visitors Messi unselfishly teed up Antoine Griezmann to do the easy part. The Frenchman, however, made a hash of his chance and was tackled by Eibar. The ball fortunately fell back to Messi who made no mistake and sealed his hat-trick.
Emergency signing Martin Braithwaite made his debut, coming off the bench and replacing Griezmann after 72 minutes.
Barcelona were granted special permission By La Liga to sign the striker outside of the January transfer window due to an injury crisis.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out for six months and Luis Suarez is also sidelined.
And the Middlesbrough flop made an instant impact.
Braithwaite took just 15 minutes to get his first assist, setting up Messi for the Argentine’s fourth.
That goal means Messi becomes the first ever player to achieve over 1,00 goal contributions, with 696 goals and 306 assists.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Braithwaite caused havoc again. His shot was spilled by Eibar’s keeper only for Arthur to follow up and slot home.
The 5-0 win means Quique Setien’s side move above Real Madrid to the top of La Liga on 55 points.
Zinedine Zidane’s men, second on 53 points, play their game in hand against Levante later.
