Lionel Messi [Images] proved too hot to handle for Real Zaragoza as he inspired Barcelona to a 4-1 home victory with two goals in the Primera Liga on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Argentina forward has stepped up to lead a side which started the season poorly and, in the absence of an out-of sorts Ronaldinho [Images], has been the central figure in their three wins of the last seven days.

He scored twice in the first 11 minutes against Zaragoza, who had levelled through Alberto Zapater soon after his opener, and helped set up the third for Andres Iniesta.

Rafael Marquez added a fourth just before the break as they left Zaragoza chasing shadows.

Barca climbed to third on 11 points from five games, one behind the leading pair of Villarreal and Valencia.

Earlier, Villareal moved to the top of the table for the first time in their history with a 2-0 away win over Racing Santander.

Nihat Kahveci put them ahead just before the break and Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi scored his fourth goal of the campaign to seal victory after Racing had been reduced to 10 men.

Valencia beat struggling Getafe 2-1 in the Mestalla with goals from Spain duo David Villa and David Silva.

Champions Real Madrid have 10 points from four games in fourth place and host Real Betis at the Bernabeu on Thursday.

Atletico Madrid climbed to fifth on eight points with a 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao, while Real Mallorca came from two down at halftime to win 4-2 at home against promoted Valladolid with two goals from Venezuelan forward Juan Arango.

They are sixth, also with eight points.

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