(CNN) -- Lionel Messi scored a sensational second-half hat-trick as Barcelona beat 10-man Valencia 3-0 on Sunday, but they remain behind Spanish Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid, who beat Valladolid 4-1 in the late match. After a goalless opening 45 minutes at the Nou Camp, the introduction of substitute Thierry Henry turned the game, with the Frenchman's pace and guile causing chaos in the Valencia defence, allowing Messi to take full advantage with three superb goals. The opener came in the 56th minute when the 22-year-old Argentine somehow weaved his way past three defenders before slotting home from a tight angle.
@highlight
Lionel Messi scores a superb hat-trick as Barcelona thump Valencia 3-0
@highlight
But Real Madrid remain top of the table after a 4-1 victory at Valladolid
@highlight
The results mean Real Madrid remain ahead of Barcelona on goal difference
@placeholder curled home his second goal with nine minutes remaining and just a minute later Valencia's defence parted again to allow Messi to chip home a delightful third goal.