Lionel Messi put in a great performance as Barcelona brushed Villareal aside in La Liga, winning by four goals to one.

It was a fantastic performance from the Barcelona players who made the perfect response to this week's defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Lionel Messi was at his usual fluent best, but looked lower on confidence than normal. That changed when he put Barcelona in front. A wonderful through ball from Xavi was controlled spectacularly by Messi. He caressed the ball into his path and rifled it home, via a deflection on the 19th minute.

Xavi then doubled Barcelona's lead with a stunning free kick. Messi looked poised to take it, but it was the midfield maestro Xavi who stepped up to bend it to perfection into the corner.

Bojan Krkic made it 3 before the break. He beat the defender convincingly with great skill and pace and made no mistake one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It was a goal even Lionel Messi would have been proud of.

Villareal hit back after half time through Fernando Llorente after he was put clean through on goal with a great pass. He finished in style to give the home side a lifeline.

Lionel Messi completed the scoring on the 88th minute. He received a well timed cross, took a single touch, and lofted the ball over the advancing keeper. It was fantastic skill from Messi and another star showing.

Barcelona are now 4 points clear from rivals Real Madrid in La Liga who will play tomorrow.