Luis Suarez grabbed a hat-trick and Lionel Messi bagged two goals as Barcelona began their quest for a third straight La Liga title with a 6-2 rout of Real Betis yesterday.

Arda Turan, whose two goals against Sevilla helped Barca lift the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday, gave them an early lead at the Nou Camp before Ruben Castro equalised on 21 minutes.

Barca went back in front thanks to a trademark goal from Messi before Suarez, La Liga’s top scorer last season, made it 3-1 before half-time.

Messi set up Suarez for the Uruguayan’s second on 56 minutes before the Argentine netted again a minute later with a left-foot drive from outside the area.

Suarez then completed his treble with a 25-metre free kick eight minutes from time.

Betis scored again six minutes from time after Castro struck a right-foot shot beyond goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Barca were without several injured players including captain Andres Iniesta and forward Neymar, who is playing for Brazil at the Rio Olympics.

Chile captain Bravo, linked with a move to Manchester City by media reports, started in goal with Marc-Andre ter Stegen out injured.

Barca coach Luis Enrique handed new signings Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne their league debuts.

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