Messi the inspiration as Barcelona master Malaga

Lionel Messi celebrated his fourth successive Ballon d’Or award by once again inspiring Barcelona to a 3-1 victory at Malaga.

Messi won his record-breaking Fifa award on Monday, taking the honour ahead of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and continued his magnificent scoring run by breaking the deadlock last night in the 27th minute.

The Argentinian then teed up Cesc Fabregas to put Barcelona two goals to the good after the interval before substitute Thiago made the game safe late on — despite Diego Buonanotte grabbing a terrific consolation from a free-kick in the final minute.