Lionel Messi sets records as Barcelona takes Real Madrid's La Liga lead

    By Gary Morley, CNN

    Updated 2313 GMT (0713 HKT) March 8, 2015

    Luis Suarez (right) celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring Barcelona's opening goal in the 6-1 win at home to Rayo Vallecano on March 8.
    Photos: Magic Messi sets records in Barca romp
    Strike partners – Luis Suarez (right) celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring Barcelona's opening goal in the 6-1 win at home to Rayo Vallecano on March 8.
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    While Suarez went on to add Barca's final goal, Messi completed his 32nd career hat-trick -- the most by any Spanish club player.
    Photos: Magic Messi sets records in Barca romp
    Record-breaker – While Suarez went on to add Barca's final goal, Messi completed his 32nd career hat-trick -- the most by any Spanish club player.
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    Messi also claimed the La Liga record for trebles with his 24th in the Spanish league, joining Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as top scorer this season on 30 goals.
    Photos: Magic Messi sets records in Barca romp
    Net buster – Messi also claimed the La Liga record for trebles with his 24th in the Spanish league, joining Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as top scorer this season on 30 goals.
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    Messi and Suarez were a constant threat against Madrid-based Vallecano, which is in mid-table this season.
    Photos: Magic Messi sets records in Barca romp
    Catch us if you can – Messi and Suarez were a constant threat against Madrid-based Vallecano, which is in mid-table this season.
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    Barcelona's biggest crowd this season -- 87,151 including Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo and son Thiago -- watched Luis Enrique's team reclaim the league lead from Real Madrid.
    Photos: Magic Messi sets records in Barca romp
    On top – Barcelona's biggest crowd this season -- 87,151 including Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo and son Thiago -- watched Luis Enrique's team reclaim the league lead from Real Madrid.
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