It’s crazy to think that, at the age of 33, there are still records in football that Lionel Messi doesn't hold.Granted, there aren’t too many but there are still some.But on Saturday evening, Messi smashed yet another record.With his assist for Arturo Vidal in Barcelona’s match against Valladolid, the Argentine reached 20 assists in the La Liga season.The significance of that is he’s now equalled the La Liga record of most assists in a single season with Xavi, who registered 20 during the 2008/09 season.
Not only that, but it means Messi now has 20 assists and 20 goals in the league this season - something that has never been done in La Liga history.
In fact, the only time that feat has ever been achieved was during the 2002/03 season when Thierry Henry scored 24 goals and provided 20 assists in the Premier League for Arsenal.
Incredible.
While it’s yet another record-breaking season for Messi, it doesn’t look as though he will be leading Barcelona to glory.
If they go on to beat Valladolid, they would still trail rivals Real Madrid by one point having played a game more.
Real know that two wins from their remaining fixtures against Granada, Villarreal and Leganes would guarantee the title.
Messi and co. will just have to concentrate on the Champions League instead.
Barca drew the first leg of the last-16 clash against Napoli 1-1 in Italy and will be looking to make home advantage count to progress to the quarter-finals.
If they do get through, they know that it will be Bayern Munich in the last-eight with the Germans 3-0 up against Chelsea in their last-16 tie.
Then, it’s likely to be either Manchester City or Juventus in the semis.
Messi might need to break a few Champions League records if he wants to lift the trophy for a fifth time.