Messi opened the scoring on 17 minutes with a pinpoint low effort before scoring the fifth from close range on the rebound 20 minutes later.

He completed a hat-trick seven minutes past the hour mark when he tucked into an empty net.

Strikes from Andres Iniesta and Pedro Rodriguez, a brace from Bojan Krkic and an own goal from Santi Acasiete completed the rout.

Defending champions Barcelona now lie in second place with 31 points, one behind leaders and arch-rivals Real.

Both teams clash with each other next week.