Messi Wins Golden Boot
The Spanish La Liga season ended in disappointment for Barcelona but there was still some individual recognition for Lionel Messi.
Real Madrid saw off Malaga 2-0 on the final day to end Barca’s hopes of a final day miracle.
Luis Enrique’s men appeared to be set for a shock defeat against Eibar too, but fought back to win 4-2.
Messi scored twice late on, making it 37 La Liga goals for the season to take the Pichichi Trophy.
He finishes eight ahead of teammate Luis Suarez and 12 clear of Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is the first time Messi has won the Spanish golden boot in four seasons.
His tally will also be enough to claim the European Golden Shoe ahead of Bas Dost and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who both finished the season with 31 in the Bundesliga.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane took the Premier League prize with 29 after a stunning final week of the campaign.
Messi could have had four on the final day but missed a penalty and a gilt-edged chance at the Nou Camp after Eibar went 2-0 up.
He finally found the net from the spot to complete the turnaround before wrapping it up in added time.
The Argentine now has a staggering 53 goals in 51 games this term and will hope to add to his tally in the Copa del Rey final against Alaves.
