Messi's Latest Free Kick Sets Him Apart from Ronaldo for Another Record

Lionel Messi reached yet another milestone over the weekend.

Lionel Messi reached yet another milestone over the weekend. 

During Barcelona's comeback win, which saw opponents Deportivo Alaves take a shock lead midway through the first half through former Manchester City flop John Guidetti before Luis Suarez evened things up with just under 20 minutes to go, the Argentine wizard of course had to have his say in proceedings. 

Despite a below par performance from the Blaugrana, including full debutant Philippe Coutinho, Ernesto Valverde's side claimed yet another three points in their pursuit of La Liga title, and they had Messi to thank for it. 

With just over five minutes remaining on the clock, the 30-year-old was offered the opportunity to slot the ball past helpless goalkeeper Fernando Pachecho from a 20-yard free-kick, and although arguably the greatest player to have ever lived recently claimed his motivation is solely team based, he will take great pride in securing another personal milestone. 

Lionel. Messi.

This brilliant goal gives FC Barcelona the 2-1 victory over Alavespic.twitter.com/UWOX9HVI70

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) January 28, 2018

With the converted dead ball, according to OptaJose, the attacking maestro overtook rival Cristiano Ronaldo with the highest number of goals from a direct free kick in La Liga since the 2003/04 season; 21 to 20. 

21 - Lionel Messi has scored 21 direct free-kick goals in La Liga, more than any other player since at least 2003/04 (Cristiano Ronaldo, 20). Magic. pic.twitter.com/5INzUggstM

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 28, 2018

As well as that, Messi's finish marked his 20th in the Spanish top-flight this campaign, a remarkable 10th consecutive year he has reached that feat.