MESSI INSPIRES BARCELONA

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona won a nine-goal thriller, 5-4 against Deportivo La Coruna at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor on Saturday and go three clear at the top of La Liga. Tito Vilanova's side looked to have the game wrapped up as early as the 18th minute when Lionel Messi scored Barca's third goal after Jordi Alba and Cristain Tello had netted in the opening 10 minutes. But Deportivo responded with two goals of their own. First, Portugal forward Pizzi converted from the penalty spot in the 26th minute followed by an Alex Bergantinos effort 11 minutes later. Barca were back in control by halftime as Messi bagged his second of the night to give the visitors a 4-2 lead. The home side reduced the deficit
to one goal immediately after halftime with Pizzi scoring a second before Messi completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute. His teasing run followed by a thumping low drive past keeper Daniel Aranzubia looked to have finally settled matters. But Jodi Alba's own goal two minutes later once again threw the result into doubt. José Mourinho on managing star players José Mourinho's press conference antics urged on by their supporters, Deportivo searched for an equalizer but Barcelona clung on for the three points.