'Still the king!': Spanish papers heap praise on Lionel Messi after his brilliant brace in Barcelona's emphatic Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao

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Newspapers in Spain lauded Lionel Messi as 'still the king' after he inspired Barcelona to winning their 31st Copa del Rey title against Athletic Bilbao.

The Argentine superstar, 33, was in fine form with two glorious goals as the Catalan club ran riot in a 4-0 victory to claim their first trophy in nearly two seasons, and Messi's first as captain.

After Barcelona and indeed Messi silenced their critics with an emphatic display, the front pages of AS, Marca and Mundo Deportivo were dominated with praise being heaped on the champions and their captain.

The front page of AS was used to declare Lionel Messi as 'still the king' after Copa del Rey win

Front pages of Marca and Mundo Deportivo were similar in praise for Messi and Barcelona

AS proclaimed Messi as 'Sigue Siendo el Rey', translating as 'Still the King', alongside a picture of a beaming Messi lifting the trophy.

Marca used the same photo with the headline 'Sin Rival', meaning 'Without Rival' in reference to Barca's 31 titles in the competition being by far the most, whilst it could also be a nod to them declaring Messi as the world's best.

A picture of the whole team celebrating was chosen for Mundo Deportivo, alongside the headline 'Campeones', translating as 'Champions'.

It is Barca's 31st Copa del Rey triumph and is Messi's first trophy as captain of the club

The Argentine was in fine form with sublime goal for Barca's third before adding Barca's fourth

It is a positive moment in a troubling two seasons for Barca as they struggled compete for titles amid fears an unsettled Messi was trying to force a move away from the club.

But those troubles didn't appear to be evident at the Estadio de La Cartuja on Saturday evening who looked as delighted as anyone to be increasing his winner's medals collection with the club.

Messi ran half the length of the field for a brilliant third Barca goal before rounding off a slick team move for the fourth to cap off an emphatic display. 

Superstar looked delighted as they sealed win and Joan Laporta is 'convinced' Messi will stay

After the game, Messi sang the praises of Barca's exciting young team, before new president Joan Laporta admitted he was 'convinced' that Messi now wants to stay at the club.

Laporta said: ‘I’m convinced that he wants to stay. This is his club. He gave an exhibition today and what’s more he’s surrounded by a great team. We will do everything in our power to make sure he stays.’