Lionel Messi scored another hat trick for Barcelona as they defeated Getafe 7-0 to win the Spanish league in week four. Messi set the record for most goals in a calendar year and became the first player to win the Ballon d’Or for the past seven years. In a victory marked by the absence of Messi, a defender on Spain’s football team, Gerard Pique, scored a hat trick of his own.
Messi tied the record of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose victory last year came under controversy for favouring Real Madrid, the only team he plays for.
Alfredo di Stefano holds the record of nine total titles as player for Argentina, Spain and club — the only player to reach that mark. Messi has won three Ballon d’Or trophies.
Getafe went into the match at Camp Nou unbeaten in the eight games it had played at home so far this season, but it was easily beaten on Friday night. Messi scored in the sixth, 15th and 58th minutes as the team built a 5-0 lead at halftime. Pique, a player who scored on the field and ran out on the pitch to celebrate with his teammates afterwards, added a hat trick in the 66th, 75th and 84th minutes.