Lionel Messi scored a hattrick as Barcelona responded from two straight draws to demolish Osasuna 8-0 on Saturday.

Having been held to 2-2 draws against Real Sociedad and AC Milan in the past week, Barcelona responded emphatically to questions over their motivation with a stunning display of attacking verve married to a clinical eye in front of goal.

The home side were 5-0 up by half-time after two goals from Lionel Messi, one apiece from Cesc Fabregas and David Villa and a Roversio own goal.

An inspired Messi set up Xavi for the sixth before Villa notched his second and the Argentina star grabbed his hattrick late in the second half.

"I think we played very well. It wasn't a perfect game, but we created a lot of scoring chances," midfielder Sergio Busquets told Spanish reporters after the game. "It's true that we were coming off two draws and nobody was pleased with that. This was an important win."

Argentina Lionel Messi