Yet another milestone: Messi nearing La Liga’s goal scoring record

The Argentine is just two behind Telmo Zarra’s record of 251


Afp/news Desk October 17, 2014

KARACHI: Lionel Messi could become the highest goal scorer in La Liga history this weekend against Eibar as he currently sits just two short of Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 goals.

The Argentine also marked his 10th year in the Barcelona first team this week, having made his debut as a La Masia graduate in the Catalonian derby against Espanyol on October 16, 2004. A decade later, having amassed six La Liga and three Champions League titles, the 27-year-old can break Zarra’s record with his 20th league hat-trick for Barcelona. Messi may even be in line for a tribute from the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP) at the Santiago Bernabéu in next weekend’s El Clasico, which will surely spice up an already feisty fixture.

LFP President Javier Tebas confirmed last week that Messi will receive a tribute even if he does break the record in front of a hostile Bernabéu crowd. “Why not?” he said, before promising that the tribute will be one to remember. “I am thinking of ideas, but the homage has to be a tribute that lasts forever. We must never forget it in La Liga, it should always stay with us. If the time comes and he beats the record, we will have to reflect upon it because it will be a historic moment.”

Playing in a slightly deeper role under Luis Enrique this year, Messi has returned to his devastating best, pulling the strings and controlling the game, and has helped Barcelona to the top of the table with six wins and a draw in their opening seven league games.

The Catalonians, yet to concede a goal in the league, will have one eye on next weekend’s match against Real Madrid, who are currently four points behind the leaders. "If we don't win this one [against Eibar], we will suffer when we play in Madrid,” said left-back Jordi Alba. “Eibar have had good results away from home and if we don't play at a high level, they will make it difficult for us."

Eiber have impressed so far in their first top-flight season, despite the Basque town’s entire population being barely over a quarter of Camp Nou’s total capacity, and are not shying away from the daunting challenge of visiting the Barcelona stadium.

“This is football and it's clear that if we defend well, don't make mistakes and get a bit of luck, we can come away with at least a point," said Eibar midfielder Dani Nieto, a former Barcelona B player.

 

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COMMENTS (1)

Immaculate | 9 years ago | Reply

Messi is extraordinary, more than ordinary play. He deserve tribute at Madrid. Hope Lius Enrique maximize Leo and bring out a new dimension of his capabilty this season. He deserve ballon D'Or again this year more others.

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