The world's best player made it 11 goals in his last five games to take his overall tally to 25 in 27 Liga matches.

Messi's hat-trick was replied to by a late brace from Zaragoza substitute Adrian Colunga, but the Argentine sensation superbly earned a penalty to secure the victory for Barca in injury time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted emphatically from the spot, but it was all about Messi's extraordinary dexterity to win the penalty.

Barca remain tied with Real Madrid on 68 points on top of the Liga table, but Los Blancos have a better goal-difference.

Barcelona 4-2 Zaragoza