Messi missed the first four games through injury, coming on at half time against Granada at the end of September. Messi scored his second treble of the season at the start of December against Mallorca. There was a 2-0 defeat away at Valencia but Messi scored four against Eibar at the end of February to keep the title charge on track. The assists kept coming however, including one back-heeled pass to Griezmann against Villarreal and he beat Xavi’s record for assists in one season with 21. Yes Benzema had a great season but even against perhaps the 'worst' Messi for a decade he was second best.

Source: Daily Mail August 02, 2020 10:13 UTC