Barcelona have cruised past Real Betis with a 4-1 victory in La Liga, but the Catalan giants may have lost playmaker Lionel Messi for some time as he picked up a first-half injury.

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Bottom-placed Betis had the first chance of the game when Jordi Figueras found Xavi Torres inside the box, but the midfielder's header flew over the crossbar.

Barca grew into the game and threatened when Neymar worked his way past the Betis defence to cut the ball back for Messi, who wasn't able to add the final touch.

The visitors were then dealt a blow as Messi had to be replaced by Andres Iniesta following what appeared to be an innocuous challenge with Nono.

The injury didn't seem to deter Barca, however, as Pedro produced a good cross, which allowed Neymar to convert with ease.

The provider then turned scorer two minutes later when Pedro completed a superb run to place a curling finish into the top corner, leaving Barca 2-0 ahead at the break.

Cesc Fabregas put the visitors further in front in the 63rd minute having collected a pass before firing home from close range.

The midfielder then secured a brace for himself in the 79th minute when he headed home from a Daniel Alves cross, before Jorge Molina scored a penalty late on to earn Betis a consolation goal.