FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.03.2010 22:11

Messi confirms top scorer spot

Jordi Clos

Leo Messi confirmed his position as La Liga’s top scorer with his second half hat trick against Valencia, which also leaves him second on the list of the European Leagues’ scorers too. It’s the fourth time the Argentinean has scored three in a game.

The Barca- Valencia game had been set up as a duel between Messi and Villa, but the Spanish striker was forced out with a shoulder injury and was unable to improve on his total of 17 goals so far this season. Messi’s hat trick takes him to 22 in the league, just one short of his total in all competitions last year.

Fourth hat trick

It’s the fourth time Messi has struck a hat trick. His first was against Madrid in 2006/07, the second against Atletico Madrid in the Cup last season and his third in the 0-5 win at Tenerife in January.

The goals also take Messi into second spot in the Golden Boot ratings for Europe’s top scorer. He now has 44 points, overtaking Ajax’s Luis Suárez on 40.5, who also scored third weekend against Eredivise. Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney leads the list on 50 points after his two goals against Fulham on Sunday.