Magical Messi conjures Barca title after Neymar loss

Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - Deportivo de La Coruna vs Barcelona - Abanca-Riazor, A Coruna, Spain - April 29, 2018 Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal as Deportivo de La Coruna's Ruben looks dejected REUTERS/Miguel Vidal

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Neymar's sudden departure to Paris St Germain last year threatened to derail Barcelona's season before it began, but those betting against the Catalans had overlooked the sheer, indefatigable brilliance of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine magician shrugged off Neymar's exit, as well as a slump in form for strike partner Luis Suarez, took on the extra responsibility himself and fired the club to the title, fittingly scoring a hat-trick in their 4-2 win at Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday which clinched their league triumph.