Lionel Messi becomes first LaLiga player ever to score 20 and assist 20 or more goals in the same season with hand in Arturo Vidal’s winner in Barcelona’s victory at Valladolid
Lionel Messi added another record to his incredible career on Saturday as he became the first player in the history of La Liga to score 20 and assist 20 goals or more in the same season.
The club’s all-time top scorer set up Arturo Vidal to ease Barca nerves as the reigning champions scored a 15th-minute opener to secure victory at Real Valladolid.
Former teammate Thierry Henry is the only other player to have reached the landmark in Europe’s top five leagues in the 21st century, scoring 24 and assisting 20 for Arsenal in the 2002/03 Premier League season.
Arturo Vidal (right) thanks Lionel Messi after the star set up his opener in La Liga on Saturday
The last player to provide 20 assists in La Liga also played for Barcelona, as former midfielder Xavi proved his creative brilliance during the 2008/09 campaign.
Xavi has been linked with a return to the club as manager recently during an unconvincing run of results under Quique Setien, who was only appointed in January.
Messi has questioned whether Barca can win the Champions League under Setien’s tactics and has been in relatively poor goalscoring form under the beleaguered coach.
Messi is now the first player score 20 and assist 20 or more goals in a single season in La Liga
Despite scoring his 700th goal in a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid last month, the Argentina forward has only found the net twice in eight matches – and both came from the penalty spot.
The 33-year-old is now hoping that Real Madrid, who are a point ahead of their arch rivals with a game in hand, slip up when the league leaders travel to Granada tomorrow.
Messi has two matches left of the domestic season in which to extend the new record further
