MADRID, Nov. 9 -- Leo Messi scored a hat-trick of two free kicks and a penalty as FC Barcelona retained their place at the top of the Liga Santander with a 4-1 win at home to Celta on Saturday night.

Messi was again Barca's savior and his contribution helped produce a score which flatters a side that struggled especially in the first half to produce the fluid football that has characterized their game over recent seasons.

New Celta coach Oscar Garcia, a former Camp Nou veteran, set his side up to push Barca high up the field and Barca were under pressure until Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Joseph Aidoo handled Junior Firpo's ball into the area.

Celta equalized from an excellent free kick three minutes before halftime with Lucas Olaza beating Ter Stegen after a foul committed by Messi.

The Argentinean made amends in first half injury time by scoring a majestic free kick of his own from 25 yards and he repeated the feat three minutes into the second half to complete his hat-trick.

Antoine Griezmann, who struggled again to make an impact, saw a shot well saved by Celta keeper Ruben Blanco as Barca, now with Sergio Busquets on the pitch following Nelson Semedo's injury midway through the first half, giving Ernesto Valverde's side much more control of the ball.

The midfielder got his reward with a rare goal six minutes from time when he had time to control a loose ball at the edge of the Celta area before beating Blanco with a powerful shot.

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