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Lionel Messi made more La Liga history on Sunday with his 21st assist of the season for Barcelona against Alaves.
The captain teed up 17-year-old Ansu Fati to knock home the opening goal of the game on 24 minutes at Mendizorrotza from close range.
Messi ➡️ Ansu Fati ➡️ GOAL
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Messi contribution means he has become the first player in La Liga history to reach 21 assists in a single season, overtaking former team-mate Xavi.
✨ H I S T O R Y ✨
With 2⃣1⃣ assists, Messi overtakes Xavi as the player with MOST ASSISTS in a single #LaLigaSantander season! 🐐
The Barcelona captain then scored his 24th La Liga goal of the season to make it 2-0 to Barcelona 10 minutes later. A flowing move from the visitor saw Riqui Puig set up Messi to beat goalkeeper Roberto Jiménez.
Luis Suarez made it 3-0 to Barca a minute before half-time, while Nelson Semedo added a fourth after the break and Messi scored again to make it 5-0 late on.
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Messi Close to Making More History
Messi’s goals mean the Barcelona star is also closing in on another record. The Argentina international is in pole position to finish the campaign as the top scorer in Spain and land the Pichichi award.
The 33-year-old has already won the coveted trophy six times in his career, equalling the record of legendary striker Telmo Zarra. Another win would see Messi out on his own when it comes to claiming the Pichichi.
Messi’s goals leave him four ahead of his nearest challenge Karim Benzema of Real Madrid. The Frenchman is in the squad to face Leganes in Los Blancos’ final game of the season later in the day.
Barcelona Sign Off in Style
Barcelona’s big win means they finish a disappointing season in some style which should help boost morale after defeat to Osasuna last time out that handed the title to Real Madrid.
Manager Quique Setien had spoken before the match about the importance of winning the game to increase confidence ahead of the return of the Champions League next month.
Barcelona now have three weeks to prepare for their next fixture against Napoli in Europe’s top competition. The Serie A side are due at the Camp Nou on August 8 with the last-16 fixture currently tied at 1-1 at the halfway stage.
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