Hat trick of assists for Leo Messi
Once again Leo Messi has played a vital role in Barça's victory. The Argentine provided assists for all three of the blaugranes' goals against Betis in the 3-2 victory. Just minutes after Betis had taken the lead, Messi provided a pinpoint pass for De Jong to make it 1-1. With Betis having taken the lead once more, the Barça number 10 was hand to whip in a free kick right on the stroke of half time for Sergio Busquets to make it 2-2. Then, in the second half another Messi free kick allowed Lenglet to head home what would be the winner in the Benito Villamarín.
Fourth time in his career
A hat trick of assists is not that common but against Betis, Leo Messi did it for the fourth time in his career. His first trio came against Levante in the Copa del Rey in 2014 and the next for Barça came in the league in 2016 against Getafe. In between he recorded the feat for Argentina in the Copa America in 2015 in the 6-1 win over Paraguay. In La Liga only two other players have provided three assists in one game: Pablo Sarabia for Sevilla and Leo Messi's team mate, Luis Suárez on no less than three occasions.
This season in Europe's top leagues Messi has recorded double figures for goals (14) and assists (11). The only other players to equal the achievement so far in 2019/20 has been Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho (12 goals and 13 assists).
