TheCable

Two goals from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.

Barcelona produced a vintage first-half at the Camp Nou, taking the lead thanks to a priceless Lionel Messi goal.

In the 20th minute, the Argentine weaved his way past four defenders and then beat goalkeeper Iago Herrerin at his near post for a stunning strike which set the stadium alight.

Neymar rounded off a neat team move to double Barca’s tally nine minutes before the break and Messi put the game beyond the reach of Bilbao by scoring a third goal on 74 minutes.

20-year-old Inaki Williams rounded off his impressive debut season by scoring a late consolation for Bilbao 11 minutes from time.

Xavi Hernandez, a second-half substitute, bade farewell to the Camp Nou in fitting fashion, helping Barca to their 27th Copa del Rey triumph making them the most successful club in the competition’s history.

Barcelona also set a new Spanish record of 120 goals in a single season, while they became the first club since 1954 to win every game in the Copa del Rey.

Whatever the outcome in Berlin next Saturday in the Champions League fine, Barcelona or Juventus will secure all three major trophies in a single season.

Juve have the Scudetto and Coppa Italia in the bag while Barca have La Liga title and Copa del Rey sewn up.