In the history of the beautiful game of football, we have seen legends like Maradona, Pele, Zidane, Van Basten, Cruyff make their mark, But never have we seen a player so talented, and yet at a young age, (so he is still improving) the man, Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi scored all four goals in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Espanyol because, well, that's just what he does. His fourth goal marked his 50th La Liga goal of the season and 72nd in all competitions -- a new record, surpassing the 70 Archie Stark scored for Bethlehem Steel in 1924/25. (He also broke the UEFA Champions league record for highest goals in a single season this year)
After putting away the penalty, Messi jogged over to outgoing manager Pep Guardiola to give him a hug, which quickly became a team embrace.As impressive as Messi's goal total is, he still has time to add more. Barca have one more La Liga match left, plus the Copa del Rey final against Athletic.
Life has given me this gift during the past five years of being able to live with these players and enjoy this spectacle," Guardiola told the packed stands following his 97th win in 118 home games.
"I have been the privileged one, to feel so loved and admired during all these years. Many thanks to all, above all to those who I have worked with every day."
Guardiola will coach Barcelona's last league game at Real Betis before having a chance at a 14th piece of silverware in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao. Guardiola's assistant Tito Vilanova will then take over.
The stands were full of posters and signs in Guardiola's honour and a banner saying "Thanks Pep" hung on the outside of the stadium to greet the departing manager on arrival.
When Guardiola came out of the tunnel he was met by another enormous banner saying "We love you Pep!" and chants from the 89,044 fans.
Messi put Barcelona in front in the 12th with a free kick, his curling delivery slightly grazing the defensive wall before finding the side of the net.
Barcelona's all-time leading scorer made it 2-0 in the 64th when Cristian Gomez handled a ball he had tried to flip by the defender. Messi, who missed a critical penalty in Barcelona's elimination by Chelsea from the Champions League, stroked an unreachable strike off the inside of the post and into the back of the net.
With the result beyond doubt, the game turned into a party for the Catalan club, and it ended with a homage to its most successful manager ever.
Messi added another by racing onto a long pass and firing a left-footed shot by the goalkeeper in the 75th before he scored another penalty in the 80th after Diego Forlin fouled Sergio Busquets.
This is the second time Guardiola has said goodbye to Barcelona. But his exit in 2001 after 11 seasons as a midfielder was not given special treatment from his boyhood club. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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