Lionel Messi set to overtake Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty record in LaLiga

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has been in splendid form for Catalan giants in last two games since return of LaLiga. Argentina international scored against Mallorca as well as Leganes. His penalty against Leganes took his career tally to 699 goals, heing towards a new record. However, Messi is also closer than ever to overtake former Real Mrid superstar Cristia Ronaldo's exceptional record in LaLiga.

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Lionel Messi edges closer to Cristia Ronaldo's penalty record

Lionel Messi h a mesmerising run from halfway line before being brought down in Leganes penalty box. six-time Ballon d'Or winner was successful in converting from spot racking up 699th goal of his career. However, penalty kick also brought him closer to overtaking Cristia Ronaldo's penalty tally in LaLiga. This was Messi's 56th LaLiga penalty, equalling former Real Mrid star Hugo Sanchez's numbers. He is five penalties short of Cristia Ronaldo's tally. 

During his nine-season stay at Spanish capital, Cristia Ronaldo scored 450 goals in all. Portuguese international is rewned for his penalty kicks, a task for which Messi has often been criticised. Messi h missed a crucial penalty during tie-breaker in Copa America final against Chile back in 2016. However, Messi with 56 goals, could well replace Ronaldo as most successful penalty-taker in LaLiga. Ronaldo h successfully scored 61 penalties during his mesmerising stint with Real Mrid. 

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Stiff rivalry in hat-tricks between Lionel Messi, Cristia Ronaldo

duo has enjoyed a healthy rivalry for more than a dece. A similar rivalry was on display on hat-trick tally of two superstars, suggesting stiff competition. Lionel Messi and Cristia Ronaldo have scored a combined 110 hat-tricks in ir senior professional career. Juventus ace has an edge over Messi with 56 hat-tricks to his name, while latter has netted 54 hat-tricks in all. 

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New contract on table for Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi is said to be offered a new contract by Barcelona that will see him stay at club at least until 2023. Initially, Messi, whose contract expires in 2021, will be offered a year's extension, followed by an option to extend it furr by a year. However, club's all-time leing goalscorer wants club to include exit clause that would allow him to leave at any point in time for free. 

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Im courtesy: LaLiga/Juventus Twitter