Messi hits record treble, Atletico lose at Celta

Barcelona's Luis Suarez (C) celebrates his goal with teammates during their Spanish first division soccer match against Levante at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona February 15, 2015. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino

MADRID (Reuters) - Lionel Messi marked his 300th La Liga appearance with a record-equalling hat-trick and an assist for Neymar as Barcelona stayed hard on the heels of leaders Real Madrid with a 5-0 romp at home to Levante on Sunday.

While Messi continued to rewrite the record books with another masterclass, third-placed Atletico Madrid's hopes of a second straight title were dealt a blow when the champions were beaten 2-0 at mid-table Celta Vigo.