Messi hits hat-trick

Lionel Messi continued with he's scoring form after Barcelona trashed Mallorca 5-0 on Saturday night. Once again Messi scored a hat- trick which takes his goal scoring tally to 199 in all competitions.

The Argentine striker had gone three matches without scoring, evoking criticism for his recent performances. But Barcelona’s No. 10 responded in emphatic fashion.

"It's crazy to say that after three games [without a goal] I was in crisis. I do not care whether I score or not, what matters is that the team win and continue to do so."

"The team played well again," he told Spanish television. "We got quick goals and in the first half, the result was nearly confirmed. We have to continue this way."

It was also Barca’s eighth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions and their third 5-0 win in a home record in this season’s Primera Division which reads played six, won five, drawn one, scored 26, conceded none.

Messi is expected to be part of the 23 short listed players  for the inaugural 2010 FIFA Ballon d’Or which the names will be announced on Tuesday. Messi won the 2009 Ballon d’Or  and is expected to be favorite for the up coming one as well. 

source: Soccerway and Goal.com