Barcelona striker Leo Messi scored a second half hat trick helping Barcelona beat third-placed Valencia 3-0 in the Camp Nou Stadium.

The Argentinean scored on 55, 81 and 83 minutes as a well organized Valencia had in the first half threatened to produce an upset.

Barcelona was without captain Carles Puyol, who was suffering from a back problem, while Valencia striker David Villa failed a late fitness test on a shoulder injury he had picked up playing against Werder Bremen in midweek.

After a slow start in which Valencia was content to sit deep and look to counter attack, the visitors got right into the game and could have taken the lead on more than one occasion.

David Silva saw a shot blocked after a break on 28 minutes, while Ever Banega did magnificently well to get to the byline.

He pulled the pall back for the waiting Maduro, but Victor Valdes was able to get a hand in to block low cross.

Jordi Alba ended Valencia's spell of pressure with a shot from outside of the area that went straight into Valdes' hands.

Barcelona's best chance fell to Leo Messi, who created a chance just after the half hour only for Cesar to save well to his left.

Messi then set up Pedro Rodriguez, but the winger's measured shot went past the far post.

Just before halftime, Valencia captain David Albelda had to leave the pitch injured being replaced by Manuel Fernandes.

Barcelona made a chance at half time with Thierry Henry replacing the disappointing Bojan and the move changed the game.

Messi was able to find more space and scored the first goal after 55 minutes after a mazy run and a left footed finish that sent Cesar the wrong way.

Nicola Zigic had a great chance to make it 1-1 just before the hour after he beat the offside trap and ran through on goal. However, Valdes stood up and made a magnificent save with his feet.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men just a minute later when Maduro was shown a second yellow card and Barcelona dominated the last 20 minutes.

Messi curled a left foot shot home for the second after 81 minutes and added his third of the night after another run and a clever flick with his right foot.

He has now scored 22 goals in 26 games this season.