A Lionel Messi brace helped Barcelona maintain their perfect run in the Primera Liga with a 4-1 away victory over Racing Santander on Tuesday. Swedish marksman Zlatan Ibrahimovic ensured he would be an ideal replacement for Samuel Eto'o after scoring his fourth goal in as many games. He opened the scoring after 20 minutes when he headed in a cross from inspirational forward Messi at the far post. Messi turned from provider to scorer four minutes later when he skipped past two challengers and curled a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. The visitors notched their third goal in seven minutes after defender Gerard Pique was found by a superb back-heeled pass from Ibrahimovic to slot home from eight yards out on 27 minutes. Messi completed the rout three minutes past the hour mark with a superb left-footed shot. The Argentine international, a frontrunner to win the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award, took his tally to five goals in four matches. Racing's Spanish winger Oscar Serrano netted a consolation in the 72nd minute. Defending champions Barcelona, who gained maximum 12 points from four matches, lie on top with a three-point lead over Real Madrid, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao. Real and Bilbao, who played a game less than the Catalans, can restore parity if they beat Villarreal and Tenerife respectively on Wednesday. Racing-Barcelona match goals
