World Player Lionel Messi created yet another record Saturday by scoring in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw at lowly Celta Vigo.
Messi has scored against all 19 teams consecutively in La Liga, something never before achieved, after remaining scoreless for the last time in Barca’s 3-1 home defeat of Celta in November.
Saturday’s goal took his league total for the season to an astonishing 43, leaving him on pace — with nine matches left — to break his record of 50 last season.
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“My scoring run is the least important thing. I have had the good luck to score in all these games, which has helped the team,” said the Argentine, modest as ever.
“We wanted to win today after the league break for the national team matches, but it was not to be. ... It is not easy to return after being with your national team, especially against a team (Celta) which has so much at stake.” The draw left Barca well ahead atop La Liga, 13 points above a Real Madrid side that could only manage a 1—1 draw later Saturday at struggling Zaragoza.
Real coach Jose Mourinho raised eyebrows by leaving Iker Casillas out of his squad despite the Spain keeper now being fully fit, and confirmed that Casillas would not be in the squad for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
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Mourinho conceded: “We lost the league title some time ago. Now our objective is to finish in second place.” Real are two points above Atletico Madrid, who receive Valencia on Sunday.
Rodri gave Zaragoza the lead in the sixth minute with a cool finish after being played through by Apono.
Cristiano Ronaldo levelled for Real in the 39th minute with a powerful left—footed drive, after Gonzalo Higuain had fed the Portuguese hitman out on the left.
Real dominated the second half, but Diego Lopez — who has done well during Casillas’ injury absence — had to pull off three sharp saves.