Messi: "Great to end year with an important win in El Clásico"

Lionel Messi revelled in Barcelona's El Clásico victory over LaLiga titleholders Real Madrid as he shared his joy on social media.

LaLiga leaders Barca struck a major blow in Madrid's title defence with a 3-0 win at the 10-man hosts Saturday.

Luis Suarez, Messi and Aleix Vidal scored in the second half as Barca moved 14 points clear of the Spanish champions heading into the mid-season break.

Messi – who became LaLiga's leading scorer against Madrid with his 17th goal courtesy of a penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu – used Facebook to celebrate.

Barca are nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid after 17 rounds.

Messi has played a starring role with a LaLiga-high 15 goals.