Ghana star Kevin Prince Boateng was an unused substitute as Lionel Messi ran riot at the Benito Villamarin, scoring his 33rd hat-trick in La Liga and sending Barcelona 10 points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top.

Messi broke the deadlock with a remarkable free-kick, straight into the top corner, in the 18th minute.

The second was a work of art crafted by Luis Suarez with a backheel that dumbfounded Betis’ defence, and Messi slotted home with a neat flicked finish.

Suarez blasted in the third after a sensational dribble which again left Betis’s backs in bits.

Loren Moron pulled one back for the hosts but Messi was at it again, saving the best for last, as he drafted a succulent lob over the head of Pau Lopez from the edge of the area.