The Argentine forward netted the only goal as Barca survived a tricky night away to Shakhtar Donetsk, giving his side a 6-1 aggregate victory, and took his tally for the season to 48 goals from 46 games in all competitions so far this season.
Messi set a new club record, passing the 47 scored in 51 games by Brazilian Ronaldo during Barca’s 1996-97 campaign under Bobby Robson.
The World Player of the Year is the Champions League’s leading marksman so far with nine goals, a title he is on course to claim for a third year in a row, has notched 29 in La Liga, seven in the King’s Cup and three in the Spanish Super Cup.
He has the chance to add to his tally as Barca still have 10 matches left to play this season, or 11 if they make it to the Champions League final in London next month.
It is not only the quantity of goals but the importance of his interventions for the squad as a whole that counts.
In a nervous league encounter against lowly Almeria on Saturday he levelled from the penalty spot minutes after the visitors had stunned the Nou Camp with a shock breakaway goal.
He sealed a 3-1 win by forcing an error to score and kill off Almeria’s chances of a late equaliser, and Tuesday helped Barca avoid any slip ups in Ukraine.
“Messi gives us much more than goals,” Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes told reporters.
“He helps the team in defence and in attack. His work is positive for everyone.”
Messi set a new club record, passing the 47 scored in 51 games by Brazilian Ronaldo during Barca’s 1996-97 campaign under Bobby Robson.
The World Player of the Year is the Champions League’s leading marksman so far with nine goals, a title he is on course to claim for a third year in a row, has notched 29 in La Liga, seven in the King’s Cup and three in the Spanish Super Cup.
He has the chance to add to his tally as Barca still have 10 matches left to play this season, or 11 if they make it to the Champions League final in London next month.
It is not only the quantity of goals but the importance of his interventions for the squad as a whole that counts.
In a nervous league encounter against lowly Almeria on Saturday he levelled from the penalty spot minutes after the visitors had stunned the Nou Camp with a shock breakaway goal.
He sealed a 3-1 win by forcing an error to score and kill off Almeria’s chances of a late equaliser, and Tuesday helped Barca avoid any slip ups in Ukraine.
“Messi gives us much more than goals,” Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes told reporters.
“He helps the team in defence and in attack. His work is positive for everyone.”
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