Messi magic!

Lionel scores hat-trick to see Barcelona past Atletico Madrid

Bareclona's Lionel Messi (right) shoots to score past Athletico's goalkeeper Gregory Coupet at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid yesterday. pic/AFP

Lionel scores hat-trick to see Barcelona past Atletico Madrid

FC Barcelona are within touching distance of the last eight of the Copa del Rey after taking a 3-1 away lead against Atletico Madrid, courtesy of a Lionel Messi hat-trick.

A lacklustre Atletico was bested by a superb Barcelona, headed by a brilliantly clinical Messi who used the match as a platform to make his case as the world's best player.

Away win
The Argentine forward, who was rested for Barcelona's 3-1 win over Real Mallorca in the league on Saturday, scored three times to give Barca an away win over Atletico in the Spanish Cup's last 16 first leg yesterday.