Lionel Messi: 'We will keep pushing Real Madrid'

Lionel Messi has insisted that Barcelona will keep pushing Real Madrid in the race for the La Liga title.

The Argentine's hat-trick helped Barca record a 4-1 win at Malaga on Sunday and keep the pressure on their rivals.

"There is a lot [of time] left [before the end of the league] - the second round of matches - and we will keep pushing," Messi told AS.

The Catalan side host Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday night. Barcelona currently hold a 2-1 lead over Jose Mourinho's side.