LIONEL MESSI bagged a hat-trick of assists to equal staggering records set by Bundesliga stars Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner in Barcelona’s 3-2 comeback win against Real Betis.
The Argentine was once again the star of the show as the Catalan outfit twice came from behind to move within three points of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi matched records set by Bundesliga stars Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner in the 3-2 win over Real BetisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Argentine set up all three goals as Barcelona twice came from behind to keep the pace with LaLiga leaders Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
His involvement in both Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquet’s strikes meant he became just the second player to reach double figures in goals and assists in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Messi now has 14 goals and 11 assists for the Spanish champions this year, with the only star to record similar numbers is Borussia Dortmund star Sancho.
England international Sancho is already on 12 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga, and recently became the top-scoring teenager of all time in the German’s top-flight.
Messi meanwhile later matched another record set by another of Germany’s brightest talents in Timo Werner with his third assist against Betis.
The 32-year-old’s pinpoint freekick that was headed home by Clement Lenglet meant he became the second player to have recorded both a hat-trick and a trio of assists in a game this season after the RB Leipzig striker.
Messi hit the 35th treble of his career in the Spanish top-flight during the 5-2 win over Mallorca back in December.
While Werner unbelievably bagged a hat-trick of goals and assists in a SINGLE game as he helped his Leipzig side to an 8-0 demolition of Mainz.
Messi had bounced back from the ongoing speculation surrounding his future with another standout performance during Barca’s must-win game.
Quique Setien’s side were twice behind at the Benito Villamarin Stadium following a Sergio Canales penalty and a left-footed drive from Nabil Fekir.
And despite a late red card for matchwinner Lenglet, Barca moved to within three of Madrid who had swept aside Osasuna 4-1 earlier in the day.
Sancho became the first player to reach double figures in goals and assists in Europe’s top five leagues this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
Werner bagged a hat-trick of goals and assists in a single game during RB Leipzig’s 8-0 win over MainzCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
