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Lionel Messi ‘very grateful’ to Real Betis fans after hat-trick ovation

Lionel Messi was applauded by Real Betis fans after scoring a brilliant third goal for Barcelona on Sunday and thanked the supporters after the 4-1 win.

The Barcelona captain was in superb form scoring a superb free-kick, a neat flick from a crazy Suarez pass and then a beautiful chip.

Messi couldn’t remember receiving applause from opposing fans before, but he certainly welcomed the gesture.

“I don’t remember being applauded by rival fans for a goal before. I am very grateful for the response of the supporters,” he said.

“I don’t know, I was lucky that both of them went in but above all we got the three points.