Lionel Messi makes football better, according to Real Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan, even after the Barcelona superstar piled misery upon him on Sunday.

After defeat keeper praises Messi-effect

Messi inspired a devastating second-half performance from Barcelona, scoring twice and creating another for Luis Suarez as Ernesto Valverde's LaLiga leaders stormed to a 5-0 win at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

The result extended Barca's advantage at the summit over Atletico Madrid to 11 points and Real Madrid youth graduate Adan was left in awe, having mistakenly felt his team-mates might have had Messi under control.

"It's spectacular. In the first half he had not appeared. He seemed to be walking," the 30-year-old told Cadena Ser.

"But he takes four balls to score two goals and give two assists. He makes this sport better."