By Press Association Sport Staff
Published: 06:47 GMT, 18 March 2019 | Updated: 06:47 GMT, 18 March 2019
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Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde admitted the brilliance of Lionel Messi transcends club rivalries after the Argentina superstar received a standing ovation from Real Betis fans.
Messi scored three superb goals to record his 51st career hat-trick in a 4-1 win that helped Barca open up a 10-point lead at the top of La Liga.
After Messi's final strike, a brilliant chip from the edge of the box which went in off the underside of the bar, the home fans at the Benito Villamarin Stadium rose as one to hail the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi received a standing ovation from Real Betis fans on Sunday night
Ernesto Valverde claimed that Messi transcends club rivalries after his display
Valverde said that showed the standing Messi - who also hit the post late on - has in the game.
The Barca boss told Movistar Partidazo after the
