Lionel Messi returned from suspension to inspire Barcelona to a comfortable 3-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday, the Argentine magician grabbing a first-half brace and an assist as La Blaugrana kept the pressure on Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

Wednesday’s meeting between second-placed Barcelona and fourth-ranked Sevilla had been built up to be an epic clash, but in an anti-climax of sorts, ended up being an extremely one-sided game.

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For the hosts raced into a 3-0 lead after little over a half-hour had been played on the night, with their number 10 returning to action with a wondrous display.

Racing down the right wing with a couple of Sevilla defenders for company, Messi shrugged off a challenge to send in a low cross with his weaker foot for Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan forward didn't get to the ball in time, but a defender’s touch flicked the ball in the air and Suarez promptly sent in an audacious back-volley to open the scoring in the 25th minute.

Three minutes later, it was Messi’s turn to score as Barcelona launched a sizzling counter-attack after Sevilla Angel Correa had cheaply given the ball away in his own half. Ivan Rakitic released Neymar on the left wing and the Brazilian sent in a low cross for Suarez. The Uruguayan didn't have much of an angle, so cut it back for Messi, who finished between Sergio Rico’s legs to double the Catalans’ lead.

And within five minutes of going two-nil up, Barca had their third and this time Messi went for power, rather than finesse but found the same devastating result. A headed clearance from a corner had fallen his way in the Sevilla box and he let loose a venomous volley which left Rico with no chance.

Barcelona continued to dominate possession but put their foot off the pedal and despite the home side backing off, Sevilla seemed incapable of really testing Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the night. They had two glorious chances to open the scoring as Steven N'Zonzi fired too close to  ter Stegen when clean through before Vitolo headed despite being completely free inside the area.

To make matters worse, winger Vitolo was sent off for a second bookable offence late in the game when he hacked down Neymar and while Sevilla are probably safe in terms of Champions League qualification, third-placed Atletico Madrid are now three points ahead of them.

For Barcelona, the result means that Real Madrid will go into the Madrid derby on Saturday knowing that should they slip up, the Catalans will leapfrog them should they beat Malaga later on the day.