Messi captures the praise in Barcelona

MADRID, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Barcelona striker Leo Messi captured the headlines and also the praise following his brilliant hat trick that almost single handedly defeated Valencia in the Camp Nou on Sunday night.

File photo shows FIFA Men's World Player of the Year 2009 nominee Lionel  Messi of Argentina attends a press conference before the FIFA World Player  Gala in Zurich Dec. 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo)

The Catalan press sung his praises on Monday morning with Barcelona based Sport, headlining 'Messi, Messi and ...Messi,' while El Mundo Deportivo used his performance to mock the Madrid press' conspiracy theories about Barcelona receiving help from referees. 'Messirato' was its headline.

Meanwhile Barcelona assistant coach Tito Villanova, who replaced the suspended Pep Guardiola in the dugout for the 3-0 win against Valencia also praised Messi for his goals on 55, 81 and 83 minutes.

"He is the best player in the world and that makes things easier for us," admitted Vilanova, who was pleased the way Messi had performed in a more central striking role.

"When he moves inside he is harder to stop and he is comfy in that role. He can hurt rivals because he is close to the penalty area and able to move in any direction," he added.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta also sung Messi' s praises.

"He was incredible, spectacular and efficient. He deserves all of the praise in the World because until that moment, it was a really tight game," said Laporta on the club website on Monday morning.

"Valencia played very well and made us suffer, but we have a great team and we know how to play and suffer to win," he said.