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#3 Most hat-tricks in La Liga
Scoring a single goal is tough enough, but to score three goals in a game and to do that on a regular basis is a sign of divine talent.
Lionel Messi has scored 36 hat-tricks in La Liga, the most in the league's history. Cristiano Ronaldo is 2nd with 34, but the Portuguese superstar is unlikely to return to Spain from Juventus. The only player currently playing in La Liga and on the top 12 list is Luis Suarez, who has 10 hat-tricks to his name.
Lionel Messi is a gifted player, and has constantly been Barcelona's saviour, especially in recent years. The Argentine looks set to score more hat-tricks in the Spanish top flight in the near future, and nobody is near enough to catch him.
#2 Most goals by a player for a single club
Last year, Lionel Messi surpassed the legendary Pele to become the player with the most goals for a single club.
Lionel Messi has scored 672 goals in 778 appearances in all competitions, while Pele scored 643 goals for Santos during his spell with the Brazilian club. There is some dispute as to how many official goals Pele scored for Santos, but it would be fair to say that Messi's genius has been recorded forever in the history books.
The Argentine is not slowing down, and clearly has a lot to offer Barcelona at the highest level. It will be interesting to see if there are any players who could ever replicate, let alone outperform, what Messi has done and is doing with Barcelona.
#1 Most appearances for Barcelona
Lionel Messi is now the player with the most appearances for Barcelona, having made 520 appearances in the league and 778 in all competitions.
The diminutive forward overtook Xavi to become the outright holder of this record. Xavi, who is also regarded as a Barcelona legend and played for a long time with Lionel Messi, made 505 league appearances and 767 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga giants.
To play so many games indicates excellent physical and mental condition, as well as world-class quality. Lionel Messi still has years left in his legs, and could very well make 1000 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona.
Also Read: Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala chooses between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
