Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga and equalled a competition record as they beat Leganes at home, courtesy of Lionel Messi.He was at his brilliant best with a hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Leganes 3-1 at Camp Nou to equal the all-time LaLiga unbeaten record.Barca have now gone 38 top-flight matches without
defeat,levelling the previous best mark by Real Sociedad which has stood since 1980.
Messi made it six straight LaLiga games with a goal by netting a wonderful free-kick shortly before the half-hour mark, and then swiftly got his second of the night after being set up by Philippe Coutinho.
Nabil El Zhar got a goal back for Leganes after the break as Barca’s performance dropped off significantly, but the hosts made sure of victory when the magnificent Messi grabbed his third three minutes from time.
Barca are now 12 points clear of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid at the top of the table ahead of Diego Simeone’s side facing city rivals Real Madrid in Sunday’s derby, as title glory moves closer for the Catalans with only seven games to go.
Ernesto Valverde’s men now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champion's League quarter-final tie against Roma – where they hold a 4-1 lead – as their pursuit of a treble continues, while 14th-placed Leganes are left to reflect on a 12th consecutive league away game without a victory.
In the first chance of note, Gerard Pique poorly headed over from 12 yards after being set up by Coutinho’s cross from the left, the former Liverpool star in as one of four changes from Valverde. Coutinho soon drilled an effort which was saved by Ivan Cuellar at his near post, while Luis Suarez showed great technique in sending a first-time volley just wide from Sergi Roberto’s high pass.
Cuellar then sprawled to somehow keep out a Suarez shot with his legs after Messi laid it on a plate for him six yards out, as the Leganes defence waited for an offside flag that did not arrive.
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