Lionel Messi had about as good a year as the fifth best player in the world could have, really.The Argentine won La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona this year, although that barely begins to explain their domestic domination.Barca only lost once in Spain last season, and that was after clinching the title, and they've ended the year three points clear at the top of La Liga with a goal difference twice as high as anyone else.Individually, too, Messi had a brilliant year even by his ludicrously high standards.Messi ended last season as the top goalscorer in Europe, winning him his record-setting 5th European Golden Boot.He continued the form over 2018, however, ending the year with 51 goals for club and country - two more than his closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.But more than that, Messi scored all of those goals while simultaneously making more assists than anyone else in Europe.

That is, quite honestly, truly ridiculous but almost certainly not the only time he's managed it.

And now a video had emerged that showcases all 26 of Messi's assists in 2018 - and there is a lot of remarkable football in there.

You can check out the video below:

It's quite amazing how Messi can have a 2018 'best of' as good as that despite all of his goals being taken out.

Messi is somehow both the best goalscorer in the world and the best playmaker, despite only being the fifth best player - perhaps that starts making sense if you think about it long enough.

As for 2019, you'd have to expect more of the same from Messi as Barcelona look to challenge for the lot.

There's also the small case of the 2019 Copa America and his expected return to the Argentina squad.

Maybe, just maybe, he'll find a way to get his hands back on that Ballon d'Or trophy - although, at this stage, you have to wonder what it takes.