Lionel Messi vows Barcelona will do their utmost to surpass Real Madrid in title race: There is a lot left and we will keep pushing

The Argentine has refused to write off his side's La Liga chances after scoring a hat-trick in the win over Malaga and claims Barca will be ready for Wednesday's meeting with Real

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has insisted that his side are still in the race for the Liga title.

The Argentina international inspired Barca to an emphatic 4-1 victory at Malaga on Sunday, a result which sees the Liga champions narrow the gap between themselves and leaders Real Madrid to two points.

Jose Mourinho's side have the chance to restore their five point advantage at the top before the end of the day, as they host Athletic Bilbao, but Messi has stressed that the title race is not over.

"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 after the match.

Messi then played down his team's effort to beat Malaga as they host Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, in which the Catalans hold a 2-1 lead.

"We got tired today, but we get tired after every match because they are demanding," he added.

"We are used to playing every three days. We will prepare for this match well."