Leonel Messi set an incredible record

Leo Messi set an incredible new record with his stunning free kick v Leg

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick on Saturday evening as Barcelona beat Leganes 3-1 to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.

The Catalan giants are six games away from going the season unbeaten in La Liga.

Trailing 2-0 at Sevilla last weekend, Messi came off the bench to inspire his team to an incredible late comeback.

He was magnificent once again against Leganes, scoring his 45th career hat-trick to take Barcelona one step closer to the title.

"If everyone is talking about Leo it's because he's earned it," said Ivan Rakitic after the game.

"I will talk about him too when I get home."

The 30-year-old Argentine, who is widely regarded as the greatest player to ever play the game, is in pole position to win the Pichichi award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Leo Messi sets incredible new record
Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer made history with his stunning 25-yard free kick opener against Leganes.

Messi has definitely been working on his set pieces - he's already scored six free kicks this season and this one was certainly one of his best.

That's because he is the first player to score from outside the box in six consecutive La Liga games since their records began.

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A truly remarkable achievement.

The football record books are going to be full of Messi's name for years to come.