Lionel Messi starred in Barcelona’s 5-1 home over Valencia on Sunday as he scored 4 goals to take his tally in the league to 27 just one behind leading scorer and arch rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite winning, Barca still find themselves 10 points behind Madrid in the La Liga standings and with 15 games left to play, it would take more than a slip up for the Catalans to be crowned champions once again.
Messi’s quadruple last night saw him move past the 40 goal mark for the third straight season and cemented his stature as one of the club’s all time greats. Messi has so far scored 42 goals in all competitions for Barcelona this season and his deft chip over Diego Alves marked his 146th goal in 200 appearances for Barca.
“The team played an incredible game,” Messi said.
“Some days you play well and some days you play poorly but what important is the team wins.”
Though this is great news for many Messi and Barca fans, there still is a lot of uncertainity over Guardiola’s future as the coach is yet to commit his future to the record breaking club.
In fact, reports emerging suggest that Guardiola is being lined up to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. So with Wenger’s 16 year reign at Arsenal more uncertain than ever and Guardiola’s adamant refusal to sign a new contract, we could be on the cards to seeing some very shocking transfers at the end of the season.
When interviewed about staying with Barcelona, this is what Guardiola had to say.
“I can’t be at such a demanding club without being certain that I have the strength to do it,”
And on the prospect of signing a new contract this is what he had to say.
“I still don’t have it clear in mind. When I am sure then the club will know. To renew my contract, I have to feel it. We have been together for four years and the decision needs to be thought out thoroughly.”
Photo Credit © zalozi
