Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, sending their adversaries to their second final loss in two weeks. Lionel Messi scored twice, including a brilliant solo effort. In a whirlwind 12 minutes in Seville, Barca scored four goals to clinch a 4-0 victory, with Messi at his destructive best. It's unclear if Messi's seventh Copa del Rey victory will be the last trophy he raises in Barcelona colors, the 33-year-old made a perfect farewell.

Messi said, "It's very unique to be captain of this team where I've spent my entire life and to be able to lift this cup." His first score, and Barca's third, began with the Argentinian in his half before a rushing run down the right flank and a move forward into the penalty area provided him with an easy finish. Ronald Koeman's first championship as Barcelona coach should increase his chances of staying in charge beyond the summer, particularly with the club's new president Joan Laporta in participation.

Koeman took over a team in shambles, having been embarrassed by a historic defeat to Bayern Munich and injured by Messi's attempts to escape the club for free. The club's 31st Copa del Rey triumph demonstrates improvement, and Koeman can hope that it not only convinces Messi to stay but also gives Barca traction in a tight La Liga title chase. “Despite the improvements at the squad and the influx of young talent, you have to compete for trophies at Barca,” Koeman said.

“We have a first one, and now we will fight until the end of La Liga.”

It looked like the club was also "reset," according to Gerard Pique.

Pique explained, “Occasionally you fall and you have to stand up.” “It's been a trying year, but the team has pulled through.”

Messi was sent off when Bilbao defeated Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup in January, also at the La Cartuja, but they never seemed like repeating the performance. Lifting themselves for another spectacle in the same arena and against a tougher foe after losing to their Basque rivals Real Sociedad in last year's postponed final just two weeks ago was always going to be a monumental task.

“We performed much below our potential in both finals,” Athletic coach Marcelino Garcia Toral said. After four minutes, Sergio Busquets played in Lionel Messi, who reverted for Frenkie de Jong, but his sidefooted finish rebounded off the far post. Sergino Dest dragged wide, while Inigo Martinez had Athletic's best shot, but he could only poke over as he reached for the bouncing ball.

Before halftime, Athletic appeared to have clawed their way back into the game, but Barcelona came out firing, with Unai Simon making two superb saves to deny Antoine Griezmann and then Sergio Busquets, both from close distance. When the defense gave way, Athletic's hopes were dashed, with goals scored in the 60th, 63rd, 68th, and 72nd minutes. First, Messi slid in Dest down the right flank and his cross was redirected in by Griezmann, before Jordi Alba curled in a cross for De Jong to knock in from the opposite flank.

Messi's third goal was a show-stopper, as he began the transfer in his half, jumping over one hurdle while escaping another. He reclaimed the ball from Dest and drove down the right-wing, past three defenders, and inside.

Messi played off De Jong twice, the second time after speeding into the penalty area and scurrying between two last Athletic defenders to send the ball home towards the far corner. Alba pulled back across for the Argentinian to wrap under Simon's lax right hand and inside the post for his second, and Barca's fourth. There was no going back for Athletic.

Messi's desire to remain has been 'convinced' by Laporta: In the meantime, after scoring twice in the team's thrashing of Bilbao, Laporta said he is "convinced" Messi wants to remain at the team.

Messi has yet to announce if he will continue at Barcelona this summer, and his seventh Copa del Rey win maybe his final trophy with the squad. “Leo is the greatest player in the world; he is a player who is deeply ingrained in the team and loves Barcelona,” Laporta said after the Seville final.

“I am persuaded that he wishes to remain with us, but we already understand that we would do everything in our capacity, within the club's capabilities, to guarantee that he does. It's what we all want.”