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MADRID, Feb. 22-- Leo Messi scored four goals as FC Barcelona returned to the top of the Liga Santander a week ahead of their visit to play Real Madrid in the 'Clasico' in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Messi scored a first half hat-trick and another goal in the closing minutes of his side's 5-0 win at home to Eibar. The game began after a seven minute delay due to a problem with the VAR and after Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu had been booed by home fans after revelations linking the club with a company that looked to damage the image of several of its own players on social media. Barca had to withstand a difficult opening 10 minutes when the game got underway, but once Messi opened the scoring after a typical mazy run and finish, it was virtually game over. Another run and left foot shot gave Messi his second in the 37th minute, while he was on hand to sweep home three minutes later after Antoine Griezmann had a shot saved. The last two goals came in the closing minutes and both saw a contribution from new arrival Martin Braithwaite, who crossed for Messi to net his fourth and then saw a shot saved for Arthur to finish the scoring in the last minute. Barca's win meant Real Madrid needed to win away to Levante to retain the leadership, but it was a night to forget from Zinedine Zidane's side, who dominated for most of the game only to see their few clear chances denied by Levante keeper Aitor Fernandez. | 
