This is a public service announcement to all LaLiga clubs not named Barcelona:
Do not foul Barcelona anywhere near the goal. Lionel Messi will take the ensuing kick and he will score on you.
That is all.
Lionel Messi scored a breathtaking hat trick on set pieces to lead Barcelona to a 4-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday at the Camp Nou. The Argentine maestro converted a penalty kick then struck two unstoppable free kicks to alleviate a bit of pressure on coach Ernesto Valverde after a disappointing scoreless draw with Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It was just more proof that Messi is the deadliest free kick taker in the game right now.
The much-needed three points pushed Barcelona into first place in LaLiga heading into the international break. Barça and Real Madrid are tied on 25 points, but the Blaugrana have greater goal difference.
Lionel Messi vs Celta Vigo
Messi gave Barcelona the lead on a penalty kick in the 23rd minute after a hand ball in the box. The finish was excellent, showing a player who has clearly improved his spot kicks after struggles earlier in his career.
(Note: Full highlights below in case LaLiga/beIN tries to take any of these videos down.)
Celta Vigo found a way back into the match late in the first half thanks to none other than Messi.
Barcelona’s No. 10 committed a foul outside the back — a rare moment when he’s found in his own defensive third — and Lucas Olaza struck a marvelous free kick to equalize.
As if to take the free kick goal as a challenge, Messi responded with two spectacular free kicks of his own.
First, Messi gave Barça a halftime lead with this free kick in the 46th minute.
A couple minutes into the second half, Messi repeated the feat, scoring a nearly identical goal on the opposite end of the pitch.
This man is unreal. Even if you’re a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, Real Madrid lover or Barcelona hater, you really ought to appreciate what Lionel Messi can do while he’s still playing.
Lionel Messi's on another level pic.twitter.com/LPGftTqiJr
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 9, 2019
The hat trick put Messi even with Ronaldo for most in LaLiga with 34. It probably won’t be his last.
Sergio Busquets added a late goal to make it 4-1.
Lionel Messi vs Celta Vigo Hat Trick Complete Highlights
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