DHAKA: A wonder goal from Lionel Messi set Barcelona on its way to the second leg of the treble by lifting the Copa del Rey Saturday with a 3-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao.

Even by his incredible standards, this was something special as the Argentine maestro picked up the ball wide on the right and left defender after defender flat footed before scoring with a low shot.

To Bilbao's credit it survived onslaught after onslaught before and after the 20th minute opener, many of them sparked by Messi, until Neymar added a second before the break..

After dazzling interchange play, Luis Suarez set up the Brazilian for a tap-in.

Messi made it 58 goals in 56 games with his second of the match after the break, the 120th goal of the campaign scored by the Barca attacking trio of Neymar, Suarez and Messi.

Bilbao grabbed a deserved consolation almost immediately as the promising Inaki Williams scored with a glancing header.

Barcelona's midfield legend Xavi, playing in his final match at the Nou Camp, almost added a late fourth but his free kick glanced the post.

Having already wrapped up the La Liga title, the victory completes the Spanish domestic double for the Catalans, who play Juventus in the final of the Champions League next Saturday and on this form will be tough to beat.

BDST: 0848 HRS, MAY 31, 2015
AKA