Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi, was given a standing ovation by Real Betis supporters, after scoring his 33rd La Liga hat trick in their 4-1 win at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday.
Messi opened the scoring with a free kick and added the second before the break after a brilliant Luis Suarez assist.
He completed his treble late on with an exquisite chip, after Suarez and Loren Moron had exchanged goals.
The third Messi strike, which killed off any late hopes of a Betis comeback, drew an ovation from the home supporters which the Argentine international says he has never previously experienced.
“I don’t ever remember a night like this [being applauded by rival supporters].
“I’m really grateful for the way the fans responded. I honestly don’t remember an ovation like that [from rival fans],” Messi told Movistar.
