Merci scores a double as he equals Xavi's record for the most appearances for Barcelona

Lionel Messi was in brilliant form on Monday night as he inspired Barcelona to a 4-1 triumph over Huesca, scoring a brace and providing an assist. It was a special occasion as he equaled Xavi's record number of appearances in a Barcelona jersey.

Barceona's first goal of the night came from Messi in the 13th minute, the second came from Antoine Griezmann 10 minutes before half-time - a near copycat goal of Messi's, the third from Oscar Mingueza (assisted by Messi) early in the second half, and the fourth by Messi in the last minutes of play.

"It's a good result and we keep growing," Koeman said after the match. "We were good in the first half and maintained the intensity in the second half. We did lose a little bit of concentration after the break, maybe there was a bit of tiredness. But the objective was to win and we've done that."

Barcelona have now managed 11 wins and a draw from their last 12 matches, and are now only four points away from league leaders Atletico Madrid.

To celebrate this achievement, Barcelona posted a video that included tributes from numerous current and former team-mates including Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Carlos Puyol and Xavi himself.

"We think you're extraordinary, something from another planet," said Neymar.

"You're still breaking records," said Suarez. "I think this one says a lot about you as a player and what you represent for Barcelona."

"You can't say anything else about him," Koeman said when asked about Messi. "The level that he has been at for so many years during so many games.

"He's the most important person in Barca's history -- thank goodness he's with us! I think he's shown once again today that he's the best. The first goal was fantastic. He deserved to be important for this team."

Leo will most likely break Xavi's record on Sunday against Real Sociedad. ‘It's a great honor to reach this number of games with FC Barcelona,’ he said on social media after the game. ‘I want to thank all my team-mates who have been with me on this journey all these years and my family and friends for being by my side.’

Messi has now reached 20 La Liga goals for 13 consecutive seasons.

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