Barcelona star Lionel Messi has returned to tip-top shape after being rested earlier in the week, completing a hat trick Tuesday against Celtic in the Champions League group stage courtesy of a Luis Suarez assist.
With his three goals, Messi surpasses Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo in yet another record:
6 – Lionel Messi has now scored six hat-tricks in the Champions League, more than any other player in the history of the competition. Tres.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 13, 2016
The two were tied with five hat tricks each.
Messi opened the scoring just three minutes into the match and doubled Barcelona’s lead in the first half before completing his hat trick on the hour mark, sliding in to tap home a low, driven pass with ease.
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