Barca hit by Lionel Messi's goal drought as they remain in race to clinch La Liga title

After a surprising exit from Copa Del Rey, Barcelona still remains in a tight race with Real Mrid to clinch La Liga title. However, star performer Lionel Messi has been experiencing an unusual drought as he has failed to find back of net for four consecutive matches w.

This is first time that Ballon d'Or winner has gone goalless for so long in La Liga since January 2014. Considered as one of best players ever, apart from Getafe, Messi has failed to score against Valencia, Levante and Real Betis.

In Saturday's 2-1 win over Getafe, Messi failed to score even though he assisted Antoine Griezmann, who scored for first time for Barcelona this year. A win against Getafe has levelled Barcelona with table toppers Real Mrid in La Liga standings with both bagging 52 points in ir bag so far.

Earlier, Barcelona exited from Copa Del Rey as y faced defeat against Athletic Bilbao by 1-0. Arch-rivals Real Mrid also exited from Copa Del Rey on same day after y were stunned by Real Socied.

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Jordi Alba hobbles off field

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba hobbled off in 20th minute of Spanish champions' La Liga game against Getafe on Saturday with an apparent right thigh injury. 30-year-old left field wincing in pain and was replaced by Junior Firpo.

It is third injury for Spain international this season, having spent two spells on sidelines with injuries to his left thigh. Quique Setien's Barca visit Napoli in ir Champions League last-16 first leg on February 25, before return game on March 18. Catalans led ir third-placed opponents 2-0 at half-time at Camp u. 

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Messi to leave Barcelona?

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has me up his mind on his future at club amid on-going controversy at Camp u. According to Sky Sports, Messi has decided that he will continue at his boyhood club. He is tied with Catalans until 2021. 

Lionel Messi was involved in a controversy with club president Josep Bartomeu and sporting director Eric Abidal. re were rumours of Argentine looking to secure a move away from Camp u at end of current season. However, player has w me up his mind to stay at club and is also negotiating to extend his stay.

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Im Credit: AP