After opening the scoring with a stunning free-kick away to Catalan rivals Espanyol, the Argentine has set yet another La Liga record
Lionel Messi wrote a fresh chapter in the La Liga history books as the Barcelona captain set another record in his side’s Catalan derby clash away to Espanyol.
Messi opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick at RCDE Stadium on Saturday, with Ernesto Valverde’s men looking to open up a three-point lead atop the table.
His goal means Messi has reached 10 for the season already in the league this term, becoming the first player to hit the landmark in 13 consecutive La Liga seasons.
Messi’s free-kick was also the eighth set-piece he has scored this year in the Spanish top flight, three more than any team in Europe’s top-five leagues have collectively managed in 2018.
The Argentina star finished fifth in this week’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Cristiano Ronaldo and winner Luka Modric.
The 31-year-old also got an assist in Saturday’s clash, setting up Ousmane Dembele with a cross as the French winger doubled his side’s lead.
Messi almost created another goal when a combination with Luis Suarez saw him send the ball flying into the Uruguayan’s path in the box, but his effort hit the post.
It has taken Messi just 17 games in all competitions to get 16 goals and 10 assists as Barca sit top of the domestic table and are through to the last-16 of the Champions League.