STORY: Lionel Messi claimed a share of two more of the few Spanish soccer records he does not already own with another stunning performance on Sunday (February 15) that underlined Barcelona’s credentials as possible treble winners.
STILL PHOTOGRAPH OF BARCELONA STRIKER LIONEL MESSI AS LEVANTE’S IVAN RAMIS WATCHES ON
Messi has 31 trebles in all competitions for Barca, tying the most scored for a Spanish club set by former Athletic Bilbao forward Telmo Zarra, while Ronaldo has 27 overall for Real.
Messi’s assist for Neymar on Sunday was his 106th in his 300th La Liga appearance, overhauling former Barca and Real midfielder Luis Figo who held the previous best of 105 since records began in 1990.
Messi’s scintillating recent form, which has coincided with a Ronaldo slump, has helped Barca cut Real’s lead at the top of La Liga to one point and put them on the verge of a place in the King’s Cup final.
They are through to the last 16 of the Champions League against Manchester City and, with Messi on song, some Barca fans are starting to believe the club can repeat their 2009 treble under former coach Pep Guardiola.
Sunday’s victory was their 11th in a row in all competitions, matching Guardiola’s best run at the end of 2008, but current coach Luis Enrique has played down the achievement.
Barcelona’s players have two days off before returning to training on Wednesday (February 18) to prepare for Malaga’s visit in La Liga on Saturday (February 21)
(Ventuno/Reuters)