Barcelona 3 Alaves 1: Luis Enrique bows out with third Copa del Rey in three seasons thanks to Lionel Messi brilliance

EVEN to the final moment, Luis Enrique's time at Barcelona mirrored that of Pep Guardiola.

Despite Real Madrid winning La Liga, the Catalans consoled themselves with the Copa del Rey in their Champions League-winning manager's final game.

Once again it was Basque opposition — and once again, Lionel Messi was the hero.

Keep up to date with ALL the Barcelona news, gossip and transfers on our club page

A goal and and hand in those for Neymar and Paco Alcacer, while Alaves' Theo Hernandez showed why he is so highly sought-after with brilliant free-kick.

The victory made it a staggering nine trophies in three years at Barcelona, and ensures he goes out on a high.

Alaves came close to opening the scoring when Jasper Cillessen tipped Ibai Gomez's effort onto the post.

But, the Basque side — who actually won at the Nou Camp earlier in the season — were made to pay for their failure to take their chances when Messi made it 1-0.

After a nice one-two with Neymar, the Argentine fired a curling effort into the corner.

But just two minutes later, they were level as Real Madrid and Barcelona target Hernandez hit a stunning free-kick past Cillessen.

And, with the two sides set to go into the break level, Neymar — who looked marginally offside — tapped in from Andre Gomes' pass after Messi have carved open some space.

Then, the five-time Ballon d'Or-winner evoked shades of his Puskas Award-nominated sole run in the 2015 final when he ran down the same flank to set up Alcacer, who was starting in place of the injured Luis Suarez, in first-half stoppage time.

Alaves threw everything at Barcelona after the break.

But Enrique's men showed professionalism to see out the contest and make history — again!