Messi, not half bad

What was likely considered an unreachable achievement in years past has become a reality as Lionel Messi became the first player ever to score in 19 consecutive La Liga matches. His 73rd minute goal in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw at Celta means that he has scored against all league opponents without interruption.

Furthermore, Messi accomplished this feat against an old nemesis. Celta goalkeeper Javi Varas was the same man who stopped a penalty kick from the Argentine last season for Sevilla, yet Varas was only helpless watching Messi whip home Cristian Tello’s cross from the left side that gave Barcelona a temporary second half lead.

After a horrific experience playing in the altitude of La Paz, Bolivia this past Tuesday for Argentina in their World Cup qualifier where Messi reportedly vomited at halftime, a sluggish performance would have been expected by the ‘La Pulga’.

Instead, Messi again showed his resolve going the full 90 minutes. Messi, as he always does, will assuredly heap praise onto his teammates for his record. But one cannot help but think that Messi will cherish this goal more than his countless others for the fact that for the first time ever in a league contest Messi had the honor of wearing the captain’s armband. Not a bad way to make history. Again.