01.02.2011 11:50

Messi aiming to be top scorer

Jesús Carrillo

Other achievements may have overshadowed this, but Leo Messi is currently the leading goalscorer in the Copa del Rey with seven goals, one more than fellow Argentinian Ulloa (Almeria) and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (Madrid).

When FC Barcelona’s cup title defence was halted by Sevilla last season, Messi had particular reason to feel upset. After causing such delight at Mestalla by beating Athletic Bilbao, Barça were thrilled at the prospect of playing another final. It wasn’t to be, but spurred on by no fewer than seven Messi goals, the team are now on the verge of compensating for last year’s disappointment.

First against Ceuta

Barça’s cup run began against Division 2B side Ceuta, and the Argentinian scored FCB’s fifth goal at the Camp Nou, having come on as a substitute in the second half with the result as good as decided. Guardiola later explained that fielding the best player in the world was “a little gift for the spectators.” Messi laid on the fourth goal for Bojan before adding one of his own.

Hat-trick hero

Messi didn’t score against Athletic Bilbao, but excelled against second division leaders Betis with four goals over the two legs

In the first leg in Barcelona, Messi claimed a hat-trick, his second in the cup after doing likewise against Atletico Madrid in the 2008/09 season. In the return leg, he scored a decisive goal after Betis had scored two goals that posed the threat of a shock comeback. Messi ran the length of the pitch to convert a goal that as good as settled Barcelona’s qualification for the semi finals.

Brace against Almeria

In the semi final first leg, Barça went 3-0 up in just a quarter of an hour against Almeria. Leo scored two and Villa got another, while Pedro and Keita later added two more that look to have done enough to ensure Barcelona are in the final against Madrid or Sevilla on April 20.