Lionel Messi scored his 23rd hat-trick on his 300th league appearance

Baku. 16 February. REPORT.AZ/ Lionel Messi scored his 23rd hat-trick on his 300th La Liga appearance for Barcelona who swept past Levante, Report informs citing foreign media.

The result means Barca are once again only a point behind leaders Real Madrid, who beat Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 on Sunday. 

Neymar scored the opener with an effort that spun in off his foot, before Messi drilled in, tapped home his second and then made it 4-0 from the spot.

Luis Suarez scored the goal of the game when he acrobatically volleyed in.

It was a stunning finish by the substitute that mirrored the excellent performance by Barca, who have now won their last 11 games in all competitions - equalling the streak in 2008-09 under then coach Pep Guardiola.