Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, has equalled a LaLiga record previously held by former team-mate Ronaldinho, with his free-kick during their 3-1 win over Leganes on Saturday.

Messi opened scoring with a sublime free-kick, smashing the ball past goalkeeper Pichu Cuellar.

It is the sixth he has scored in all competitions since the start of the calender year.

The feat brings him level with Ronaldinho, who was the last player to score six free kicks in a single season.

Ronaldinho set the record in the 2006/2007 season, when Messi was still a teenager.

Since the Brazilian left, Messi has assumed his mantle both as No. 10 and as Barca’s set-piece expert.

Messi now has 28 goals, eight clear of nearest Pichichi rivals Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.