Messi makes history again, bags record 7th Pichichi in LaLiga after brace vs Alaves

Despite being dethroned by arch-rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga, Barcelona ensured a scintillating end to campaign against Alaves, netting five, while conceding ne. Lionel Messi bagged a brace to take his LaLiga goal tally to 25 goals, while also sealing Pichichi trophy ahead of second-placed Karim Benzema. With accolade for 2019-20 season, Argentina international has w become player with most Pichichi trophies in history of Spanish competition.

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Messi wins record seventh Pichichi 

Pichichi trophy is awarded to LaLiga top scorer at end of season. With 25 goals in 33 LaLiga appearances, Messi won his fourth consecutive Pichichi, along with a record seventh in his career. With accolade, six-time Ballon d’Or winner also overtakes Athletic club Bilbao’s top scorer Telmo Zarra, who won six Pichichi trophies during his esteemed career.

Apart from finishing as top scorer, Messi also bagged most assists in competition, for third consecutive season. He also became first player since Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, to score and assist 20 goals each in a single league campaign. Meanwhile, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema finished second in Pichichi race with 21 league goals this season.

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Messi fails to win third consecutive LaLiga title 

Messi finished off his 16th LaLiga season with Barcelona, managing a total of 485 appearances as yet. During this period, 33-year-old broke several records to become all-time LaLiga top goalscorer with 444 goals in all. However, he failed to clinch a third consecutive LaLiga title with Zinedine Zidane’s men going undefeated in last 11 games to bag a record 34th domestic title.

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LaLiga standings

Real Madrid clinched LaLiga title on Matchday 37 itself, with Barcelona losing out to 10-men Osasuna. However, with victory against Alaves, Barcelona have w bagged 82 points and finish five points adrift of champions Real Madrid in LaLiga standings. w, Barcelona will come up against Napoli in Champions League, with Los Blancos travelling to Etihad to play Manchester City. 

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Im courtesy: AP