Just days after picking up the Globe Soccer player of the year award in Dubai, Lionel Messi has helped Barcelona to a 4-0 win against Real Betis. Luis Suarez netted twice and the result means Barcelona top La Liga on goal difference. Messi scored on his 500th appearance for the Spanish giants who have now scored 180 goals in all competitions in 2015, which is a Spanish record. Joint second Atletico Madrid, won 2-0 at Rayo Vallecano while Real Madrid are two points behind in third after beating Real Sociedad 3-1.