Messi hits hat-trick to deny Madrid in classic El Clasico

The 19-year-old snapped up a pass from Ronaldinho on the edge of the area, beat two defenders and steered a low shot into the far corner in the final minute at the Nou Camp.

Messi and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had each scored twice in a frantic first half hour.

Van Nistelrooy put Real in front in the fifth minute before Messi responded by drilling the ball past Iker Casillas.

The Dutchman restored Real's lead from the penalty spot but Messi levelled again when he smashed high into the net on 29 minutes.

Barca suffered a major blow when Oleguer was sent off before the break and they spent most of the second half on the ropes as Real tried to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Real defender Sergio Ramos looked to have secured victory when he flicked in a header 17 minutes from time but Messi completed a virtuoso performance with his late goal.