Lionel Messi revelled in Barcelona’s El Clasico victory over La Liga titleholders Real Madrid as he shared his joy on social media.

Log leaders Barca struck a major blow in Madrid’s title defence with a 3-0 win at their 10-man hosts Saturday.

Luis Suarez, Messi and Aleix Vidal scored in the second half as Barca moved 14 points clear of the Spanish champions heading into the mid-season break.

Messi – who became La Liga’s leading scorer against Madrid with his 17th goal, courtesy of a penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu – used Facebook to celebrate.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote: ‘Great to end the year with an important win in El Clasico! Hugs and Merry Christmas to you all!’

Barca are nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid after 17 rounds.

-This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.co.za