Messi surpasses 40 goals in 10th straight season as his brace secures derby win for Barcelona

Lionel Messi scored twice for Barcelona at Camp Nou on Saturday as they beat city rivals Espanyol 2-0 to go 13 points clear in La Liga.

The hosts dominated the first half, with Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez both going close to breaking the deadlock.

But it was a fter a goalless first half that Messi scored his first from a superb free-kick on 71 minutes before finishing off a counter-attack on 89 minutes.

The Argentine has now scored 41 goals in all competitions for Barcelona this season.

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The figure means Messi has scored 40+ goals in 10 consecutive seasons for the La Liga champions.

And interestingly, Messi has scored 22 goals in his last 15 La Liga games.

The win over Espanyol takes Barca 13 points clear at the top of the League table.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid face Alaves later on Saturday.

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