Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Barcelona as they hammered Osasuna 7-0 in the Spanish La Liga.

Andres Iniesta, Cristian Tello,Alexis and Pedro weighed in with other goals to stay in touch with the log leaders Real Madrid and second placed Atletico Madrid,who both won earlier in the weekend.

Barca had a slow start and were almost punished when Emiliano Armenteros looked to have scored by his effort was ruled out for offside.

Barcelona however settled into their stride and Lionel Messi opened the scoring from Jordi Alba’s low cross.

Four minutes later Andreas Iniesta’s cut back was met by Alexis who made it 2-0. Iniesta then go himself on the score shett with a well take 25 yard shot into the top corner to give Barcelona a 3-0 score going into the half-time break.

In the second half Cristian Tello and Pedro also got on the score sheet while Messi  completed his hat-trick to complete the 7-0 win.

The victory leaves Barcelona four points behind Real Madrid ahead of the El Clasico on Sunday this week.