After a weak start to the season, Barcelona started the engine, not least when Lionel Messi regained his joy.

Since then, the team has been tough in the league game and in tonight's away match against Real Sociedad, there were three new points.

Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring in the 37th minute and shortly afterwards Messi cleared right-back Sergino Dest to make it 2-0.

It was his first league goal for Barcelona and when he put 3-0, he became the first American ever to become a two-goal scorer in La Liga.

Isaac close in the first

Just four minutes later, with 56 on the clock, Messi went deep and bumped in a pass from Sergio Busquets.

A quarter later, Ousmane Dembele sent in 5-0 with the left, before Sociedad reduced via a right-hander by Ander Barrentxea.

However, it was Messi who became the last goal scorer of the match when he ended a magnificent combination play to 6-1.

For Alexander Isak's part, he rushed forward on the right wing and almost shoveled in 1-0 in the first half, but there was no goal.

6-1 means that Barcelona continues to chase Atletico Madrid, who have a three point lead and one match less played.