La Liga: Record-breaking Lionel Messi shines for Barcelona
Lionel Messi scored a brace and provided an assist as he helped FC Barcelona thrash Huesca 4-1 in La Liga. With this win, Barcelona are now four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in the standings. Messi extended his goal-scoring run and also equaled Xavi's record for most Barcelona appearances. Here we present all the major details.
Messi smashes these records in La Liga
Messi has scored 20-plus La Liga goals for the 13th consecutive season, the only player to do so in the competition's history. He is also the second player in La Liga to reach double figures for both goals (26) and assists (10) this season in all competitions, after team-mate Antoine Griezmann (G13 A11).
Messi equals Xavi's record
Messi made his 767th appearance for Barca to draw level with Xavi in the all-time list. He now has 661 goals and 263 assists for Barca in all competitions across 767 matches.
Barca are unbeaten in 17 La Liga matches
Barca are unbeaten in 17 La Liga games (W14 D 3) and have collected 59 points. Since losing to Cadiz in December, Barca have maintained a strong run of form. They have registered eight clean sheets in their 17-game unbeaten run, including three in a row prior to this result. Barca have also scored 41 goals in these 17 games.
La Liga: Messi involved in 28 goals this season
Messi has now been involved in 28 goals this season in La Liga. The star forward has scored 21 goals, besides registering seven assists. The Argentine has 27 goals in 36 appearances this season. He needs five more to surpass last season's tally (31).
