Although many may argue against the claim that Lionel Messi is the best ever football player, none dares to deny that he is the currently the best – alongside Cristiano. On Saturday, he showed why he’s feared by many.
The 29-year-old had a hand in the opening goal, though he didn’t claim the assist, and scored a brace to help the Blaugrana to a 3-0 win over Osasuna. As a result, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner moved ahead of his Real Madrid nemesis in the goalscoring chart.
His two-goal haul saw him set outrageous numbers. Firstly, Osasuna became the fifth opponent that La Pulga has scored 20+ goals against. Secondly, he has now scored 475 goals in 550 games for the Catalan giants.
Most goals in 2016: Messi
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) December 10, 2016
Most assists in 2016: Messi
Most goals in 16-17: Messi
Most goals UCL 16-17: Messi
Most goals Liga 16-17: Messi pic.twitter.com/Agf72E67Rb
And the list goes on and on. Several on Twitter hailed Messi as a legend – not for the first time though – but for reasons not related to his excellent form in front of goal.
At one point during the game, the Barca star fell to the ground despite little to no contact from the opposition player. Leo looked destined to win a free-kick, but instead turned to the referee and gestured that he wasn’t fouled.
Messi just went down too easily and told the ref not to give the free kick.
— Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) December 10, 2016
How can you not love this guy? pic.twitter.com/4rlmdAZEZ4
Messi fell down, lost the ball and he signaled to the referee not to stop the game because he tripped. Man is a legend
— houdini. (@one_blvck_dude) December 10, 2016
Did Messi just make the gesture towards the ref that there was no contact and he wasn't fouled?
— Josip (@jperkovic93) December 10, 2016
Love how Messi slipped there and signalled to the referee not to stop the game because it wasn't really a foul. Legendary
— AHMED THE CULÉ. (@MessiCuIe) December 10, 2016
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