Hot Messi takes Ajax to cleaners

Argentine star nets three as Spanish giant trounces Dutch team 4-0

Lionel Messi gave yet another sparkling Champions League recital when he netted a hat-trick as Barcelona began its 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.