Lionel Messi scored a magical solo goal as La Liga champions Barcelona secured Copa del Ray title with a 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final played at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
With this victory, the Catalan club has got its second chance of three possible trophies before it turns to the Champions League final.
Messi did all by himself in the 20th minute and evaded numerous challenges on the right wing, dribbling past four Bilbao defenders to put Barcelona in charge.
Neymar scored in the 37th and Messi sealed the win in the 74th before Inaki Williams got Bilbao's goal as Barcelona claimed its record 27th cup title - and third in seven years, all at the expense of Bilbao.
Jubilant with the victory, Neymar said that for him Lionel Messi was the best in the world and it was an honour for him to be a part of that team with such great players, the BBC reported.
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