Sevilla manager Pablo Machin has offered a backhanded compliment to Barcelona's Lionel Messi, after the Argentinian netted a hat trick against his side on Saturday.
Messi scored his 50th hat trick of his club career at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of la Liga to 10 points over Atletico Madrid.
His performance has drawn praise from across media in Europe and the former Girona boss heaped praise on the majestic performance of Messi.
"We faced one of the best teams in the world and one of the best teams in the world.
"He has got our number and seems to have take a liking to us."
Messi scored his 35th goal in 36 appearances against Sevilla, breaking a new La Liga record for goals from an individual against a specific team in the Spanish top flight.
Messi is leading the way in goals in La Liga this season, with 25 La Liga goals in the 2018-19 campaign, with teammate Luis Suarez his closest challenger, with 16 goals.
