Great to end year with an important win in El Clasico – Messi

Lionel Messi revelled in Barcelona's El Clasico victory over La Liga titleholders Real Madrid as he shared his joy on social media.

La Liga leaders Barca struck a major blow in Madrid's title defence with a 3-0 win at the 10-man hosts Saturday.

Luis Suarez, Messi and Aleix Vidal scored in the second half as Barca moved 14 points clear of the Spanish champions heading into the mid-season break.

Messi – who became La Liga's leading scorer against Madrid with his 17th goal courtesy of a penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu – used Facebook to celebrate.

Qué lindo finalizar el año con una importante victoria en el Clásico. ¡Un abrazo y felices fiestas para todos! Great to...

Posted by Leo Messi on Saturday, 23 December 2017

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote: "Great to end the year with an important win in El Clasico! Hugs and Merry Christmas to you all!"

Barca are nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid after 17 rounds.

Messi has played a starring role with a La Liga-high 15 goals.