MADRID (Spain): Lionel Messi netted twice as Barcelona ended campaign with 5-0 win over Alaves in La Liga on Sunday.
The Argentinian should claim a record seventh La Liga golden boot as Barcelona ended their disappointing season on a more positive note.
Messi’s double takes his league tally to 25 goals for the season and puts him four clear of Karim Benzema in the race for the ‘Pichichi Trophy’ ahead of Real Madrid’s last game later on Sunday against Leganes.
“Today was very different,” said Messi. “We have taken an important step in terms of attitude and commitment and things can follow on from that. We have shown we can change.”
Ansu Fati, Luis Suarez and Nelson Semedo also chipped in for an emphatic victory against an Alaves side who looked off the pace after guaranteeing survival earlier in the week.
Barca had their fate confirmed on Thursday too, when defeat to Osasuna handed Real Madrid the title and brought scrutiny on all areas of the club, including the future of Quique Setien as coach.
Messi delivered a stinging assessment after the game but Setien said on Saturday he still believes Barcelona, at their best, can win the Champions League next month.
Unless Benzema runs riot against Leganes, Messi will finish as La Liga’s top scorer for a seventh time, pulling clear of Telmo Zarra’s six while playing for Athletic Bilbao in the forties and fifties.
