体坛英语新闻：Barcelona makes historical 16th consecutive league win

Forlan did appear at the start of the second half and his side immediately improved, with Felipe Luis unlucky to see a powerful shot headed off the line by Gerard Pique following great work by Aguero.

Forlan also got into a good position on a break, but Thiago Cardoso was unable to pick him out with a simple pass, as Barca began to lose control of the game.

It was not until the 72nd minute that they created a clear chance, although it needed a quality save from De Gea to stop Messi's goalbound header.

Messi' s hat-trick finally arrived six minutes later, reacting quickly when Villa's shot dropped to him a yard out from goal. The Argentinean doesn't miss that kind of chance and slid the ball home to end the night on the perfect note. It was Messi's fourth hat-trick of the season.