Yesterday, Barcelona beat Valencia 3-2 with yet another great performance from Messi. Gabriel Paulista gave Valencia the lead 50 minutes in, but Messi, after missing a penalty, managed to score the equalizer. Griezmann then gave Barcelona the lead 2-1, and Messi consolidated it with a great free-kick goal. Soler's late goal didn't serve for much as Barcelona won 3-2 anyways. Messi's stats were: 2 goals, 1 big chance created, 3 SoT (5 in total), 1.84 xG, 7 dribbles, 1 key pass, 1 GCA, 6 SCA, 0.45 xA, 10 duels won out of 14, 3 fouls won, 1 tackle, 5 pressures (1 successful), 2 passes blocked, 4 ball recoveries, 2 long balls, 67 passes out of 86, and 108 touches. A great performance that earned a 10/10 according to Infogol. This was his performance on video:
Here are some fun facts after the game:
- Messi scored his 50th free-kick for Barcelona.
- Messi scored his 130th outside-the-box goal (free-kicks and open play).
- Messi has equaled Ronaldo's free-kick goal amount (56).
- Mestalla became the 6th stadium Mesi has scored 10+ goals in.
- Messi played his 20th game at Mestalla.
- Messi became the only player to score 10+ La Liga goals in 5 different away stadiums.
- Messi surpassed Carmelo Cedrún and is now tied in 18th place with Molina for the most games completed in La Liga (408).
- Messi is now tied with Raúl García in 7th place for the most games played in La Liga (517).
- Valencia became the 3rd side he has scored 30+ goals against.
This was an important game to win, as were the games before and as are the following games in the race for the La Liga title. Messi still leads in the Pichichi race by a good margin, so his Ballon d'Or campaign is looking good so far. The next game will be crucial, as Barça will be facing Atlético Madrid at home, which will probably settle who stands in the title race if it doesn't end in a draw. But until then, I'll see you in the next blog.
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