MADRID, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Spanish top club Barcelona on Sunday defeated Espanol 5-1 in the classic Catalan derby in Barcelona's Camp Nou before 80,000 people, where Argentine star Lionel Messi had a brilliant performance.

On Sunday, Messi scored three goals to reach 21 in the current Spanish league and got closer to Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 23 goals.

Sergio Garcia opened scoring for Barca at minute 12, but Espanol did not take advantage of Barcelona's weakness during the first half.

Afterwards, Argentine star Messi scored his first goal at minute 45 before he was on target again on 49 and 80 minutes.

The other two goals of Barcelona were scored by Gerard Pique at minute 49 and Pedro Rodriguez at minute 76.

The result gives hopes to Barcelona towards the important match against France's Paris Saint Germain on Dec. 10, as part of UEFA Champions League.

Uruguayan Luis Suarez did not have a great day and he was replaced by Pedro, who provided Barcelona's forward line led by Messi.

At the end of Spanish tournament's 14th matchday, Real Madrid is leader with 36 points followed by Barcelona with 34, while Atletico de Madrid is in third place with 32 points.