Ernesto Valverde admitted Barcelona's last visit to Levante was still on their minds as Lionel Messi inspired them to a 5-0 victory. Messi scored yet another hat-trick as Barcelona laid a few ghosts and cemented their place at the top of LaLiga. The Argentina star completed his 49th career hat-trick with his 50th goal for club and country of 2018 as Barca romped to a 5-0 victory to ensure they remain three points clear at the summit.

Messi has scored five goals in two league games since finishing only fifth in the voting for the Ballon d'Or earlier this month. Valverde said of the Argentina ace: "I don't know how to describe Messi, it's the most asked question.