Messi gets hat trick for Barca in 3-1 Copa win

MADRID, Spain — Lionel Messi scored three goals and Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 and took step toward securing a place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Messi, watched by his Argentina national coach Diego Maradona at Atletico's Vicente Calderon Stadium, received an ovation from the opposing fans when he was substituted moments after completing his hat trick.

The second leg of the fifth-round match will be next Wednesday at Camp Nou where Barcelona will be expected to advance in a competition it has won a record 24 times, but not since 1998.

Messi scored in the 12th, 58th — from a penalty which led to the dismissal of defender John Heitinga — and 80th minutes.

Atletico replied through substitute Tomas Ujfalusi in the 69th.

On Wednesday, defending champion Valencia visits Racing Santander, while Sevilla entertains Deportivo La Coruna. Third-division Real Union, Real Madrid's conqueror in the previous round, hosts Real Betis, Valladolid visits Sporting Gijon, and third-division Polideportivo El Ejido meets Espanyol.

On Thursday, Osasuna welcomes Athletic Bilbao and Almeria travels to Mallorca.

Barcelona's victory was its 21st in 26 games in all competitions this season. The Catalan team was 11 points clear in the league and has reached the Champions League knockout stage.

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