Lionel Messi hits double as Barcelona regain top spot from Real Madrid

Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga with a thumping 5-0 win over Celta Vigo, with Lionel Messi and Neymar at their absolute best.

Messi took his tally for the season to 38 in just 37 games by bagging a brace, with Neymar scoring the pick of the bunch by chipping goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez with a spinning finish from only six yards out.

Celta Vigo were completely dominated from start to finish, with Luis Enrique appearing a much more relaxed figure on the touchline following the announcement of his impending departure as Barcelona manager at the end of the season.

Having won their last four games Barcelona now have the look of a confident and rejuvenated side as they prepare to take on Paris Saint-German in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie. They will need that confidence as they try to overturn the 4-0 deficit.

Not so long ago, Real Madrid held a commanding lead at the top of the Liga table. But after a slump in form they have no conceded top spot to Barcelona, although they have still played a game less than their great rivals to leapfrog them should they win it. But given the form table, are Barca now the favourites to lift the title, having won their last four league games and scoring 15 in the process? They have the momentum.

By this point we have most certainly run out of suitable descriptive terms for Messi. The Argentine is simply the best in the world right now, and he demonstrated every one of his qualities in this performance against Celta Vigo. He is the complete player - he’s a finisher, a creator, a ball-winner. It’s hard to envisage how he could possibly get any better.

Barcelona - Ter Stegen 5, Roberto 6, Pique 5, Umtiti 7, Alba 5, Busquets 7, Rakitic 7, Rafinha 7, Messi 9, Neymar 8, Suarez 6. Subs - Iniesta 5, Mascherano 5, Denis 6.

Celta Vigo - Sergio 6, Roncaglia 5, Gomez 5, Cabral 5, Mallo 6, Radoja 6, Wass 6, Jonny 5, Bongonda 5, Aspas 7, Guidetti 5. Subs - Diaz 5, Sisto 5, Jozabed 5.

20’ BARCA HIT THE POST... TWICE! Suarez nutmegs a defender to go clean through on goal, but hits the post. Messi pounces on the follow up, but from a tight angle he also hits the post!

22’ BIG PENALTY CLAIM! Barcelona probably should have been awarded a spot kick. Neymar was brought down inside the area by Mallo, who got nowhere near the ball.

24’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Celta Vigo: That was a vintage Messi goal! He dribbled past a couple of Celta Vigo defenders and curled a low left footed shot into the far corner of Sergio's net! Barcelona have the lead.

40’ GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Celta Vigo: What a sensational goal! Messi splits the Celta Vigo defence with a brilliant pass and Neymar chips the goalkeeper with an even better finish. What an excellent piece of skill from the Brazilian.

57’ GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Celta Vigo: That should settle the game as a contest! Neymar dribbles inside and passes to Messi, who in turn passes a first time pass into Rafinha. His touch takes the ball into the path of Rakitic, and he nutmegs the keeper.

62’ GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Celta Vigo: Barcelona have their fourth goal of the evening and Umtiti has his first ever goal for the club! Messi cuts the ball right across the face of goal and the defender is on hand to turn home from close range.

64’ GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Celta Vigo: This is just ridiculous! Barcelona have scored again and they have a 5-0 lead! Messi cuts inside off the right side this time and finds the back of the net with a low left footed finish.

Lionel Messi has scored 38 goals in 37 games for Barcelona this season in all competitions.

Messi had a hand in four goals in a Liga game for the first time this season.

Neymar has now scored six goals in seven games against Celta Vigo in La Liga.