The Argentinian superstar makes the spectacular appear normal almost every week but fans were still left shocked as he thundered a volley to equalise for Barca who had gone behind to Jesus Navas’ opener on 22 minutes.
But just four minutes later, Ivan Rakitic picked Messi out with a pin-point cross from the left and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner swivelled from 16 yards out before unleashing his effort into the top corner.
Less than 20 minutes after his sensational strike, Messi and Barca were behind once more after Gabriel Mercado finished from close range.
Messi had the last laugh, though, as he added two more to complete his 50th career hat-trick before Luis Suarez wrapped up a 4-2 victory.
But it was the volley that caught the eye and some supporters suggested it might be among his best ever strikes.
“Best goal ever,” one user said on Twitter.
“Best volley goal Messi has ever scored,” another added.
A third said: “Messi on one leg is still one of the best payers in the world. What a goal.”
Another added: Messi at his best, what a brilliant goal..super.”
Messi leads the La Liga scoring charts after notching his 25th goal in 23 league appearances this season.
He also has 28 strikes league against Sevilla which is the most goals any player has managed against a single opponent in La Liga history.
The 31-year-old was a doubt to start the game after playing 90 minutes against Lyon in the Champions League despite nursing a thigh problem.
Luis Suarez was also named in attack and proved why manager Ernesto Valverde was right to back him despite a recent run of poor form.
“Luis Suarez guarantees us chances in every game,” Valverde said in the build-up to the clash.
“It’s difficult to do without him,” said Valverde.
“Everything is always focused around the big names at certain times.
“In the case of Luis, it is curious because this same focus has been placed on him before and he has answered by scoring many goals.
“In the last two games he has had clear chances to score.”
And Messi revealed it was important to keep winning points with both Madrid sides on their tail.
“There is a lot left but it was important to win today to keep the distance with the rivals,” Messi said.
“Everything is important. We don’t throw any competition.
“It will be hard against Madrid in its field but we want to win and then think of the league. Let’s try to get it all.”