Messi affords himself a smile during clash with Atletico
Argentine professional soccer star and Barca depended striker, Lionel Messi’s goal gave Barcelona their 23rd Spanish title as they beat Atletico Madrid yesterday to regain their crown of Spanish La Liga .
Messi’s 41st league goal of the season ensured that their football rivals Real Madrid will complete second despite Cristaino Ronaldos hat trick against Espanyol.
With one game left, Barca smiles with a four-point lead ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
Barca subsequently lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad and Real Madrid simultaneously moved into pole position to clinch the title.
Luis Enrique’s treble-chasing side plays Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish cup final on 30 May, before facing Juventus in June’s Champions League final.
Defending champions Atletico had gone close to opening the lead before Messi exchanged passes with Pedro and fired low into the corner.
Cristiano Ronaldo took his league tally to 45 for the season with a hat-trick against Espanyol
And they could yet repeat the feat of 2008-09, when they won a historic treble under Pep Guardiola.
Barca had a trophyless campaign last time round under Argentine coach Tata Martino, but Enrique has turned the club’s fortunes around in his first season in charge.
Congratulations to Barcelona FC.
Next up? The Copa del Rey final, against Athletic Bilbao in 12 days time, and Juventus in Berlin for the European Cup on June 6.