LaLiga: Lionel Messi nets 50th free-kick goal in Barcelona's 5-1 win

Lionel Messi missed start of 2019-20 LaLiga season. His display against Real Valladolid, however, went a long way in making up for lost time. Argentine wizard curled in a 35-yard freekick to net Barcelona's third goal in ir 5-1 win over Real Valladolid. 

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Milestone

In netting Barcelona's third of night, Lionel Messi also went on to register a personal milestone. free-kick against Real Valladolid was Messi's 50th of his career. Former Barcelona B goalkeeper Jordi Masip was in goal for visitors. But all his training with B team of Blaugrana could do little to prepare Real Valladolid stopper for this night. Messi's free-kick was aimed with such precision that ball nestled perfectly in right-hand corner of goal. Barcelona fans were treated to a sublime free-kick, as y celebrated by doing an "All hail Lionel Messi" celebration in stands. 

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LaLiga: Lionel Messi's staggering numbers

Since start of 2016-17 season, player has scored more free-kick goals in Europe's top five leagues. Lionel Messi is currently top of charts with 16 free-kick goals, followed by Alexander Kolarov, Paulo Dybala, Nabil Fekir and Enis Bardhi, who have all scored six free-kick goals since n. Lionel Messi also went on to score ar goal on night, before setting up Luis Suarez for Barcelona's fifth goal against visitors. 

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Messi's man-of--match display against Real Valladolid means that Argentine great has w scored four goals in his last three games. His total also means that Messi has been directly involved in 51 goals in calendar year; just two behind Manchester City's Raheem Sterling. Forty-four of Lionel Messi's free-kicks have come in Barcelona shirt, while remaining six have been registered while on international duty for Argentina. In last five seasons, Messi has scored from a total of 20 free-kicks. In comparison, Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Juventus have scored 12, 13, 13 and 15 goals during period. 

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