Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has added another feather to his already prestigious hat as the six-times Ballon d'Or winner scored his 50th goal in 2019 during Barcelona’s 4-1 win against Alaves at the Camp Nou. The 32-year old is ageing like fine wine as it was the 9th time in the last 10 years when the star striker has crossed the 50-goal mark in a calendar year. 2013 was the year when his tally was restricted to 45 goals and he fell five goals short. His best year, however, came in 2012 when he thrashed many records and scored 91 goals. Lionel Messi Nets 50-Plus Goals in This Calendar Year for Barcelona & Argentina.

Speaking of Messi’s 50th goal in 2019, the Barca striker managed to pierce the defences of six midfielders and smashed the ball past Fernando Pacheco to strike a magnificent goal in the 69th minute of the game. Earlier in the clash, Antoine Griezmann and Arturo Vidal struck goals in the first half to give the Catalan Giants an upper hand. Messi struck Barcelona’s third goal of the match and then gave the opportunity to Luis Suarez to strike the net on more occasion and seal the encounter for the Spanish club. Year Ender 2019: Lionel Messi Starts and Ends Decade As 'The Best'.

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With this victory, Barcelona have ensured that they will finish the year at the pinnacle of the La Liga points table and the side will aim to continue their dominance in 2020 too. In the current season, they have registered 12 wins from 18 games and hold the top spot with 39 points. Messi, who recently won his 6th Ballon d'Or in 2019, will also aim to extend his good run and register another half-century of goals in the year 2020.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2019 12:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).