The 24 year-old completed his hat-trick – his EIGHTH of the season for Barca – in the 86th minute after rounding Julio Cesar and slamming the ball into the roof of the net.
The treble means the three-time FIFAWorld Player of the Year has scored an incredible 54 goals in just 45 games for the Catalans this season and 17 in his last seven outings, including four against Valencia and five in Barca’s 7-1 romp over Bayer Leverkusen.
It’s no wonder than that Guardiola has compared him to Jordan, winner of six-NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls during his illustrious career and regarded as one of the greatest sportsmen of all-time.
“We have to congratulate Messi, he has scored so many goals and is only 24, he does not just score ordinary goals but great goals and we hope he gets lots more for us,” said Guardiola.
“There are no players capable of dominating a sport with such superiority, but he does it. In every sport there has existed only one player that can be considered as somebody unique. And this is the case. Yes, Messi can be compared to Michael Jordan.”
He added: “The day that Leo Messi overcame Cesar [Rodriguez], we’ve had a game from that era. Leo has entered history. Those who knew Cesar have told me that he was exceptional. I want to thank the team for overcoming all adversity and this guy who is continuing to make history.
Guardiola again reiterated his belief that Messi is the greatest ever to play the game. “It’s all been said before about Messi. He doesn’t only score goals, he scores great goals; each one is better than the last. We are seeing the very best in action. I’m sorry for those who try to take his throne but this kid is different, better, we are excited to have him.”
His Barca team-mates are certainly delighted to have him on their side with Victor Valdes and Gerard Pique leading the plaudits for the Argentine genius.
“Messi is defining an era. He is the best,” said goalkeeper Valdes, while central defender Gerard Pique added: “It’s a pleasure to be in the same generation as him, I believe he’s the best player in the history of the sport. It doesn’t matter where he plays, if it’s cold or hot, he always proves that he’s the best.”
Lionel Messi’s goalscoring record since making his Barca debut in 2004
Season: Goals (Games)
2004-2005: 1 (9)
2005-2006: 8 (25)
2006-2007: 17 (36)
2007-2008: 16 (40)
2008-2009: 38 (51)
2009-2010: 47 (53)
2010-2011: 53 (55)
2011-2012: 54 (45)
TOTAL: 234 (314)
Check out a record-breaking night at the Camp Nou as Messi writes his name into Barcelona’s history books…
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