Twitter reacts as Lionel Messi extends his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe in European Golden Shoe race

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi helped his side go ten points clear at the top of the table in La Liga after a masterclass performance that led the Catalan giants to a 2-4 victory over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

The night saw the Argentine ace register the 50th hat-trick of his career in what could only be termed a one-man show. The first half saw the Blaugrana trailing behind 2-1 to the hosts but swift Messi heroics after the break helped the league table-toppers secure the win.

The hat-trick means that Messi is now only one treble away from equaling on-field rival Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick record.

After the game, Messi put the spotlight on Barca's recent form, admitting that the team has had a rough patch but it is not uncommon in the game.

Speaking to Sport English, the Argentine said, "You go through different spells in a season. You can't always play at a great level. We are on a run, if we're being honest, in which we are not playing our best football and that makes it difficult to score. When the play flows better, things work out for themselves. Today we were ourselves again and we played a great game."

With the goals against Sevilla, the 31-year-old also extended his lead at the top of the European Golden Shoe race, with 25 goals to his name so far.

The Barcelona captain is now three goals ahead of Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe (with 22 goals) and six ahead of Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo (with 19 goals).

AC Milan's Krzysztof Piatek currently sits at fourth spot place with 18 goals. Premier League forwards Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero follow close behind with 17 league goals.

Messi has won the Golden Shoe a record five times and looks well on his way to win his sixth.

Fans have since taken to Twitter to praise the Barcelona captain:

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