Barcelona’s Lionel Messi recorded his first trick since March with three goals against Granada on Saturday.
The first came in the eighth minute, as Messi dribbled through a cast of defenders before spraying the ball wide to Arda Turan. The Turk then registered his first assist of the season with his new club as Messi provided a little touch past the goalkeeper.
WATCH @TeamMessi GO TO WORK. What a play, what a pass by @ArdaTuran. 1-0 @FCBarcelona. #LaLiga https://t.co/jPdf7gRgph
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 9, 2016
The second was yet another example of the lethal interplay between Messi and his attack partners Luis Suarez and Neymar. Neymar started the move with a pass to Suarez, Suarez one-touched it to Messi, and Messi touched it over the line with the goalkeeper stranded.
A GOAL WORTHY OF RAY HUDSON's ELOQUENCE. @TeamMessi finishes an MSN wonder goal. 2-0 @FCBarcelona. #LaLiga https://t.co/nJokLhTpqr
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 9, 2016
The third was the most opportunistic of all, as Messi pounced on a rebound after Neymar hit the post.
More great teamwork and @TeamMessi gets his hat-trick after @Neymarjr hits post. 3-0 @FCBarcelona. #LaLiga https://t.co/irceCYYViH
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 9, 2016
Neymar would later add a fourth for Barcelona, breaking a particularly impressive streak to start the year for Messi. Until Neymar scored, Messi has either scored or assisted on Barcelona's first seven goals of 2016.