Messi sets record, Barca hits Osasuna
PTV – BARCELONA, Argentine football star Lionel Messi has scored the 50th goal of the season as Barcelona defeated Osasuna to maintain an eight-point lead in La Liga.
Pep Guardiola’s side beat Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday to ensure the lead over archrival Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League duel slated for Wednesday.
The two-time world player of the year is the first player to score 50 goals in a Spanish season as he moved past Real Madrid’s Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas.
Messi has netted 31 in La Liga, nine in the Champions League, seven in the Copa del Rey and three in the Spanish Super Cup.
David Villa scored the opener from close range in the 24th minute, and Messi clinched the victory for Barcelona three minutes from time, AFP reported.
Earlier in the day, Real pummeled Valencia 6-3 to get ready for Champions League semifinal first leg clash with Barca at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
BARCELONA: Valdés; Alves, Mascherano, Milito (Xavi, m.65), Maswell; Busquets, Thiago, Keita; Afellay, Villa (Messi, m.59), Jeffren (Iniesta, m.45).
OSASUNA: Ricardo; Nelson, Lolo, Flaño, Monreal; Nekounam, Vadocz; Damiá (Timor, m.79), Camuñas, Cejudo; Sola (Pandiani, m.79).