Lionel Messi just can’t stop scoring as the Argentine’s tally hits 88 for 2012

There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players to ever have played the beautiful game. After equalling and passing Gerd Müller’s 85 goal mark set back in 1972, Messi is writing history of his own. The 25-year-old helped his team win against Córdoba in the Copa del Rey and grabbed a brace on Wednesday night. Barça were firmly in control of the match from start to finish. The La Liga leaders showed complete composure and authority with their usual passing style football.

After just 11 minutes Barça’s Argentine striker opened the scoring. This time it was a simple tap in: intelligent and  composed quick thinking from the goalkeeper Víctor Valdés to pick out an unmarked David Villa who slid the ball into the opposition penalty area and Messi just couldn’t miss.

Vincenzo Renella thought that he got one back for the home side but he was flagged offside. Córdoba’s momentum disappeared after Barcelona’s gain of possession. The Catalonians made sure to hold onto the ball for as long as they could in the midfield before creating two brilliant chances, both of which were wasted. Pedro’s shot missed the goal completely as it flew over the bar and Villa’s attempt only found the side-netting.

The second half was all Barcelona as the match slowly became one-sided. On 74 minutes, Messi put the anxious Barça fans out of their misery by confirming the win with another goal, this time working hard to reach a pass from Alexis Sánchez to double their lead. The Argentine found space on the left hand side of the goal and, unchallenged by the Córdoba defence, he calmly slid the ball past the keeper.

The match finished 2 – 0 with the second leg on January 10^th at Camp Nou.

Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent