Messi's brace helps Barca hammer Celta Vigo 5-0 in La Liga

Barcelona [Spain], Mar. 5 (ANI): Star striker Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona hammered Celta Vigo 5-0 to return to the top of La Liga here at Camp Nou, Barcelona on Saturday night. Messi was at his sublime best as he not only scored two but inspired three more goals in his side thrashing of Celta Vigo, their first match since head coach Luis Enrique announced his plans to leave at the end of the season. The Argentine made it 1-0 when he ran 45 yards and slotted in the 24th minute of the game, before Neymar scored in the 40th minute. Barca increased their lead when Messi unlocked the Celta defence in the lead up to Ivan Rakitic's third, before then laying the ball on a plate for Samuel Umtiti's first Barca goal in the 61st minute. The 29-year-old then doubled his personal tally in the 64th minute, securing another emphatic victory ahead their attempt at a Champions League last-16 rescue job when they host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Camp Nou with the League 1 champions leading 4-0 from the first leg, reports goal.com. Barcelona lead by a point from Real Madrid, who defeated Eibar 4-1 earlier on Saturday. (ANI)