Staggering Lionel Messi goalscoring stat emerges after opening strike vs Espanyol

An incredible statistic surrounding the goalscoring exploits of Lionel Messi over the last decade has surfaced online this evening, after the Argentine superstar guided his side to their latest win.

Barcelona vs Espanyol

The Blaugrana welcomed Espanyol to the Camp Nou a short time ago, for the latest edition of the Derbi Barceloni.

Hosts Barca headed into proceedings this afternoon aware that a victory would see them extend their advantage atop the La Liga table to a whopping 13 points.

Ernesto Valverde’s men had picked up 5 league victories in a row ahead of the international break, the latest of which saw Lionel Messi bag a staggering hat-trick to lead his side to a comprehensive 4-1 win at Real Betis.

The Messi show

And, in news that will come as a surprise to absolutely no-one, it was Messi who once again stole the show at the Camp Nou today, as the 31-year-old notched both of Barcelona’s goals in a 2-0 win.

The South American magician opened the game’s scoring with a stunning panenka-like free-kick 20 minutes from time, his 6th direct Derbi Barceloni free-kick finish over the course of his career.

And Messi was back at it again in the 89th-minute, getting on the end of substitute Malcom’s pull-back to slot home from inside the Espanyol box in trademark fashion.

Messi hits 40

It was the Blaugrana talisman’s 1st of the afternoon, though, which has since given rise to a remarkable statistic.

In finding the net, Messi took his goalscoring tally for the season to 40 (now 41).

And, as showcased below, the current campaign now marks the 10th-straight during which the veteran has achieved this feat:

🔝👏 Leo #Messi reaches 40 goals for the 10th season in a row! 🐑
2009/10 ✅
2010/11 ✅
2011/12 ✅
2012/13 ✅
2013/14 ✅
2014/15 ✅
2015/16 ✅
2016/17 ✅
2017/18 ✅
2018/19 ✅ pic.twitter.com/BbKKnEQ7bJ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 30, 2019

🔝🐐 ¡Leo #Messi joins @IkerCasillas as the winningest player in @LaLigaEN history! pic.twitter.com/bdy79zYnn3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 30, 2019

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