Ranking the Top 5 Lionel Messi Hat-tricks in La Liga

#1 Barcelona vs Malaga ( 22/1/2012 )

Barcelona vs Malaga

This performance is probably a bit underrated as it did not come against top tier opposition. Nevertheless, this hattrick had three different goals and each of them was magnificent in their own way. The first goal was a brilliant, perfectly placed header that gave Barcelona the lead in the game. His next two goals were simply unbelievable but the magician made it look so effortless.

Messi received the ball a few yards outside the box and made a brilliant run which he completed with an immensely composed strike. When he shot, there were six defenders surrounding him - an image to describe Messi’s ingenious skill. For many players, the second goal would have been their career best but Messi emulated his own effort with a counter-attack goal of the highest quality. He made a run from the middle of the pitch and the defenders simply could not catch up with him as he drove the ball low into the right corner.