Barcelona's Lionel Messi (R) evades Ajax's Stefano Denswil (L) before scoring his second goal during their Champions League football match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona September 18, 2013. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino
BARCELONA (Reuters) - Lionel Messi gave yet another sparkling Champions League recital when he netted a hat-trick as Barcelona began their European campaign with a crushing 4-0 home win over Ajax Amsterdam in Group H on Wednesday.
The Argentine World Player of the Year, who has made brilliance seem routine with an incredible haul of goals in recent seasons, conjured another memorable night at the Nou Camp for his adoring fans by becoming the first player to score four trebles in Europe's elite club competition.
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