Messi's inspirational return helps Barca sink Sevilla in La Liga

Star striker Lionel Messi scored twice on his return from suspension as Barcelona secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sevilla to go above Real Madrid at the top of La Liga at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Messi, who missed the 1-4 defeat of Granada last time out due to an accumulation of yellow cards, made up for lost time in Wednesday's resounding success by scoring a brace and an assist as Barcelona sealed a comfortable win to keep up the pressure on Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

The hosts were in control from start to finish and opened the scoring through Luis Suarez's overhead volley assisted by the Argentine in the 25th minute of the game.

The champions' talisman then swept in a quick second from Suarez's cutback before making it 3-0 with a fierce volley in the 28th and 33rd minute of the game, reports goal.com.

The three points mean Luis Enrique's side remain second, two points behind Real Madrid, who beat struggling Leganes 4-2 on Wednesday.

Sevilla, who had Vitolo sent off for a second booking in the 90th minute, are fourth on the table with 58 points and are virtually out of contention for the title with eight games remaining.