Barcelona were crowned champions of La Liga, defeating Valladolid by a convincing four goals to nil as Lionel Messi scored yet another brace.

Barcelona knew that three points would guarantee them the league and their nerves were evident from the early stages. A poor first touch from Valdes almost led to a goal from Valladolid on the 4th minute, but captain Carles Puyol cleared the ball off the line.

The breakthrough came on the 27th minute. Some good work out wide by Pedro saw the ball turned into his own goal by Prieto.

Pedro turned scorer four minutes later courtesy of a through ball from Messi. Pedro raced onto it and drilled the ball through the goalkeeper's legs.

Then it was Messi's turn to equal Ronaldo's incredible club record of 34 league goals in a La Liga season. He did so by scoring his first on the 62nd minute. Yaya Toure rounded the goalkeeper and unselfishly pulled the ball across goal leaving Messi with an easy tap in.

Messi's second goal in the 76th minute was more typical of him this season. It was another sublime effort as he beat two players with ease and found the corner of the goal with little to aim at. It was Messi's 34th league goal and 47th of the season, a quite incredible tally.

Barcelona were crowned La Liga winners with rivals Real Madrid only managing a draw with Malaga. Lionel Messi has capped an incredible season with all his goals and assists and is surely in line once again to be crowned the world's best player.