After Lionel Messi scored a wonderful third goal to complete his 51st career hat-trick, Real Betis supporters did what only true fans can do when in the presence of genuine football genius. They stood, applauded Messi and joined with Barcelona fans in chanting his name.

Remarkably, it was not the Camp Nou but the Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville that resounded to cries of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” The Argentinian said after Barcelona’s 4-1 win that he had never received such a tribute from opposing supporters.

“No, I can’t remember that happening before,” he said after his 45th hat-trick for Barcelona, the other six coming for his country. “I am grateful, we are always treated well when he play here.”

Barcelona’s victory gave them a commanding 10-point lead in La Liga after Atlético Madrid’s lost at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Messi added another milestone to his list by surpassing Xavi Hernández with a club record 477th win.

“Leo’s match has been extraordinary,” Barcelona’s manager, told Movistar Partidazo. “He scored three goals and could have scored a fourth. It’s evidence of the player he is. Despite the opposition being on the receiving end, we are all enjoying this era of his, which is unequalled. It’s significant that they cheer him; it’s an acknowledgement.”

Messi struck with a powerful free-kick in the 17th minute. He added a second goal just before half-time from a pass by Luis Suárez, who scored a fantastic solo goal with a run from halfway midway through the second half.