FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.09.2009 12:43

Messi makes incredible scoring start

Edgar Fornós

Lionel Messi's high scoring start to the new season could see him break a number of records as he is averaging a goal every 37 minutes and is already out in front at the top of the Pichichi chart.

The Argentinian forward could not have asked for a better start to the campaign as he has not stopped scoring since returning to action having missed the opening league encounter against Sporting de Gijón. After scoring once against Getafe, after coming off the bench, Messi has netted two goals against Atlético de Madrid and added another brace this week in the win at Racing Santander.

A goal every 37 minutes

Messi has scored five goals in just 186 minutes and is now the top marksman in the Spanish top flight. His average strike rate is a goal every 37 minutes and one surprise is that he has not played in 174 minutes of the season that has so far only seen four matches played. The only game in which he completed 90 minutes was the 5-2 victory against Atlético on Saturday. Against Getafe he went on with 32 minutes remaining and against Racing was taken off in the 64th minute for Andrés Iniesta.

Standing ovations

On Tuesday evening Messi became the latest Barça player to be applauded off by home fans during an away game. Xavi was applauded against Athletic Club in San Mamés in the Spanish Super Cup and El Sardinero rose to cheer Messi as he walked off after scoring to scintillating goals and setting up another.