Lionel Messi news: Barcelona captain sets historic goal-scoring record

What's the story?

In yet another proof of his incredible form this season, Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has set a new goal-scoring record to beat. The Argentine maestro is now the only player in history to score 20 or more goals in eleven consecutive seasons in one of Europe's top five leagues, with his prolific run starting in 2008/09.

In case you didn't know...

Barcelona found themselves faced with overcoming a discouraging two-goal deficit in the first half against Valencia on Saturday evening, making the Spanish league table-toppers work up a sweat at the thought of Atletico Madrid following close behind in league standings.

Marcelino García Toral's Valencia were resilient and effective, converting two efforts early in the first half through Kevin Gameiro in the 24th minute and Daniel Parejo less than ten minutes later. It was beginning to look like the Catalan giants were set to succumb to yet another surprising defeat but two penalties awarded in the second half changed the game. Captain Lionel Messi effortlessly converted both the spot-kicks to salvage a crucial point for his side and secure a six-point lead over rivals Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.

The heart of the matter

The two goals proved to be historical for Messi who has scored twelve goals in his last nine games, his best goal-scoring run since way back in January 2013. The Argentine looks to be in phenomenal form this season, and will yet again be key to Barcelona's hopes of securing silverware this season.

9 - Lionel Messi has scored in each of his last nine games for @FCBarcelona in all competitions (11 goals), his best goalscoring run since January 2013 (10). Spectacular. pic.twitter.com/57In3qsQQ6

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 2, 2019

This means that Messi has become the only player in history to have netted at least 20 goals in eleven consecutive league seasons (since 2008/09).

👑 11th straight season in which #Messi has scored 20 @LaLigaEN goals.✅ 2008/09 (23)✅ 2009/10 (34)✅ 2010/11 (31)✅ 2011/12 (50)✅ 2012/13 (46)✅ 2013/14 (28)✅ 2014/15 (43)✅ 2015/16 (26)✅ 2016/17 (37)✅ 2017/18 (34)✅ 2018/19 (20, for now...)🔵🔴 #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/3eNbwSSMii

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2019

In all competitions, the Argentine has surpassed the 50 goal-mark on a number of occasions and it will be no surprise to see him double his current digits in the remainder of the season.

What's next?

Despite having dropped points, Barcelona still sit at the top of the league table but the six-point gap may change depending on Atletico Madrid's result later tonight. Barcelona are next scheduled to face Real Madrid in a much-awaited Copa Clasico on Wednesday night.