FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.01.2009 16:34

Messi’s record breaking continues

Berta Brau

Lionel Messi’s incredible rise to prominence as a world class player continued on Tuesday evening when he netted a hat-trick against Atlético de Madrid in the Vicente Calderón and was given a standing ovation by the home fans.

The Argentinian international maintained his incredible form and broke more personal records in the Copa del Rey encounter. There is little doubt that he is one of the most in-form players in the game today and that he is growing more and more with each game.

Praise be

The applause that he received from the Atlético faithful was recognition of his superb display, but he also earned handsome praise from his peers too. “Messi made the difference,” the hosts’ defender Ujfalusi said afterwards. “He is the best in the world.”

The Atleti coach, Javier Aguirre, was also impressed. “He is at an extraordinary level with or without the ball,” he stated. “he can take on and beat one or two players and he can score goals. He is truly a one-off.”

The very best

Messi’s style of play has one him many plaudits around the globe already this season and his incredible range of moves and tricks have led many to predict that he will be crowned as the world’s best player very soon.

Personal records

The hat-trick in midweek took Messi’s tally for the season to 19 goals in 21 matchse and he is the top scorer at the club, one ahead of Samuel Eto’o, who has 18 goals in 22 matches. With a record of almost one goal per game, the Blaugrana number ten is breaking his own personal records that he has set since making his debut four seasons ago. In 2007/08 he netted 16 times, the year before he recorded 17 goals, while in 2005/06 he managed eight and in 2004 /05 he netted just once.