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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Elliott Jackson

Ferran Torres breaks Lionel Messi record after Man City hat-trick against Newcastle United

Ferran Torres enjoyed an evening to remember as he netted his first Manchester City hat-trick against Newcastle United.

The Spaniard grabbed the headlines in a frenetic game at St James' Park, with Pep Guardiola's heavily-rotated side winning 4-3.

City fell behind to an Emil Kraft header, only for Joao Cancelo's deflected striker to bring them level.

Torres then gave the visitors the lead with a sublime mid-air back flick, meeting a free-kick to phenomenal effect.

The 21-year-old then showed his poacher's instinct with two goals inside the box, turning home Gabriel Jesus' low cross and then turning in the rebound from Cancelo's shot, which had cannoned off the post.

It means that Torres has now broken a record previously held by Lionel Messi, becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick under Guardiola.

Barcelona legend Messi held the previous record after netting a treble against Tenerife in January 2010 at the age of 22.

The Spaniard also become City's third-youngster Premier League hat-trick scorer behind Mario Balotelli (20yrs, 138 days) and Raheem Sterling (20 yrs, 313 days).

It is the second time that Torres has netted a hat-trick this season, having scored three for Spain during their 6-0 demolition of Germany last November, also whilst playing in a central role.

Torres was preferred down the middle to Jesus for large portions of the match, with the Brazilian often being forced to offer width from the right-wing.

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