Marvelous Messi hits hat-trick, but Suarez suffers bad ankle sprain

Lionel Messi is used to receiving adulation at the Nou Camp, but on Sunday he got a rapturous reception from rival supporters for a majestic hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-1 win at Real Betis.

Messi opened the scoring with an unstoppable free-kick then combined with devastating effect with Luis Suarez to carve Betis open and score a second goal right before halftime.

The Argentine saved his best goal for last, completing a victory which took Barca 10 points clear at the top of La Liga with a spectacular first-time chip from the edge of the area after playing a one-two with Ivan Rakitic.

Beaten Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez looked on in awe while the home supporters, renowned for devotion to their side, rose to their feet, bowed down to Messi and chanted his name.

"Even though the opposition concedes goals to Messi they can still enjoy this unbelievable era which he has created, they enjoy it too, and today they recognized that," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

Lionel Messi shows gratitude after he was lauded by opposition supporters during Barcelona's 4-1 win at Real Betis. /CGTN

"It's significant that they gave him this ovation, it's an acknowledgment. Our rivals' supporters have to suffer him, but they also appreciate him, because of the player he is.

"Leo's performance was extraordinary, he got three goals, but he could have got four, that shows you how good he is."

Betis coach Quique Setien commended his supporters for their treatment of Messi while saying he felt honored to work in the same era as the Argentine.

"I really like the fact that our supporters showed their appreciation for a great player, today he really made us suffer," Setien said.

"It's only fair, and it's right to recognize this, our fans behaved in an extraordinary way, and I'm very proud of them. I've seen some magnificent players do great things, but no-one can match the things Messi has done over the last 12 years.

Messi etched his name further into Barcelona folklore. /CGTN

"It's a privilege to have been able to start this era with him and see him in action every weekend."

The five-times world player of the year moved on to 39 goals in all competitions this season with two months still left in the campaign.

Suarez injury blow

Luis Suarez suffered a "bad sprain" to his right ankle during Barcelona's win over Betis, coach Ernesto Valverde confirmed.

"He has a bad sprain," Valverde said. "We'll see what the doctors say, but this is the feeling we have."

Suarez looks unlikely now to feature over the international break, with Uruguay playing Uzbekistan in the China Cup on Friday.

He will hope to recover in time for Barca's La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid on April 6 and has just under four weeks to be ready for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United.