Messi scores four as Barca thrashes Valencia

Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez (L) and Valencia's Jordi Alba fight for the ball during their Spanish first division soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona, Feb 19, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

MADRID - Lionel Messi scored four as Barcelona came from behind to thrash Valencia 5-1 at home, closing the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid back to 10 points on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's side thumped Racing Santander 4-0 on Saturday to put pressure on the champions, who conceded to Pablo Piatti after only nine minutes at the Nou Camp.

World Player of the Year Messi led the fightback with two goals in five minutes to put them ahead by the 27th minute as Pep Guardiola's side responded with some irresistible football.

Messi bagged two more in the second half, taking his league tally to 27, and substitute Xavi lobbed the fifth at the end to move his side on to 51 points from 23 games. Valencia were third with 40.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his fourth goal against Valencia during their Spanish first division soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona, Feb 19, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"The team played a great game," Messi told Spanish television. "It was important the team played well again like they did in Germany during the week, because the important part of the season is coming and we have to continue in this way."

At the Nou Camp, Barca were caught napping when Sofiane Feghouli's looping cross was steered in by an unmarked Piatti, but they quickly found their rhythm.

Messi showed great composure waiting for visiting keeper Diego Alves to commit himself before slipping the ball beneath him to level in the 22nd.

The outstanding Andres Iniesta started the move that led to Alves failing to hold Messi's shot in the 27th, and the Argentine pounced to score again, and Cesc Fabregas acrobatically volleyed against the crossbar.

Alves tipped a Messi header on to the crossbar after the break but was stranded when he parried a shot from substitute Tello and Messi slotted away the rebound in the 76th.

Messi sprinted clear to lob his fourth in the 85th and Xavi used the same weapon to beat Alves again at the end.