Madrid: Lionel Messi marked his 300th La Liga appearance with his 31st Barcelona hat-trick as the Catalans moved within a point of Real Madrid at the top of the table with a 5-0 win over Levante.


Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (up) is congratulated by his teammate Barcelona's defender Marc Bartra after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Levante UD at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Pic/AFP 

However, champions Atletico Madrid remain seven points off the top in third after losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo. Barca have now won 11 straight matches in all competitions and never looked in danger despite coach Luis Enrique making eight changes from the side that beat Villarreal in the Copa del Rey in midweek.