After receiving a standing ovation from Real Betis fans following an incredible hat-trick in LaLiga, FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has spoken of his pride at being treated the way he was on Sunday night.
Click trough the gallery above to see Messi thanking Betis supporters for cheering his name.
The Argentine struck three times in Barca's 4-1 away victory on Sunday night, a performance that earned him the applause of the home supporters at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Messi's perfectly executed chipped effort for his hat-trick goal in the 85th minute had almost every fan on their feet, before his name was chanted around the ground.
Following his display, the 31-year-old said he struggled to remember receiving such treatment from rival supporters before.
"I honestly don't remember an ovation like that (from rival fans)," he said, according to Movistar+.
"I am really grateful, it had never happened to me before.
"We're always treated well here, beyond the fact we're rivals. It's an important win."
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Messi has now played 37 games across all competitions for the Blaugrana so far this season, scoring 39 goals and assisting a further 21 strikes.
What did you make of Messi's display on Sunday? Let us know in the comments section below.
