Lionel Messi was at his brilliant best on Saturday scoring a goal and assisting two as Barcelona trashed the struggling Real Mallorca 4-0, in their first ever game since the campaign was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The champion got off to a flying start when Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal scored with a diving header in the second minute, while Danish international Martin Braithwaite scored his first goal for Barca later in the first half.
Jordi Alba then added a third goal for Barca in the 79th minute after latching on to a through ball from Messi, who had also set up Braithwaite’s goal with a header.
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The sixth time balloon D’or winner then completed the scoring with a deflected strike in stoppage time.
Barca’s captain was determined and despite conserving his energy for much of the game, he dropped deep to torment the home side in a playmaking masterclass which yielded two assists and a late goal scored with his right foot.
The 32-year-old football greatest has set another La Liga record with his stoppage time goal, he is now the only player to score 20 or more goals in Spain’s top flight in 12 consecutive seasons.
Messi’s brilliant performance against Mallorca also saw his league assist tally this season rise to 14, making him both the top scorer and top assist provider in La Liga this campaign.
A lot of people wondered a lot about Messi’s age and fitness, with some doubting if he will continue at the same level he has always maintained. But to Messi there’s no slowing down.
Watch the highlights below:
