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MADRID. — A Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona vanquished some early season doubts with back-to-back thrashings of Sevilla and Apoel Nicosia in the past week thanks to two hat-tricks from the Argentine as he became the all-time leading scorer in both the Spanish La Liga and the Champions League.

Luis Enrique’s men are expected to face a tougher test tomorrow, though, when they travel to a Valencia side that are unbeaten at home so far this season.

Messi’s treble in Nicosia on Tuesday overshadowed Luis Suarez’s first goal for the club in a comfortable 4-0 win as the Catalans remained on the tails of Paris Saint-Germain for top spot in Group F.

Enrique was delighted with his side’s display in the Cypriot capital, claiming this was the Barca side he “wanted to see for the rest of the season.”

The former Spanish international will also have the luxury of recalling Claudio Bravo, Sergio Busquets and Neymar to  his starting line-up as they were rested in midweek in preparation for the trip to Mestalla.

Valencia’s title aspirations have faltered in recent weeks as they were beaten 2-1 by local rivals Levante last weekend and held to a 0-0 draw by Athletic Bilbao last time out at home. — AFP.