Messi breaks 300-goal barrier as Barcelona hit five
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Barcelona's Lionel Messi (Right) is congratulated by team mate Jordi Alba after scoring a goal against Rayo Vallecano during their Spanish first division soccer match in Madrid Oct 27, 2012. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
MADRID (AFP) - Lionel Messi smashed through the 300-goal mark with a brace as Barcelona crushed Rayo Vallecano 5-0 in Madrid on Saturday to go three points clear at the top of La Liga.
David Villa, Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas got the other goals to put the pressure back onto second-placed Atletico Madrid who entertain Osasuna on Sunday.
Messi's goals were the 300th and 301st of his career, a total made up of 270 for Barca and 31 for Argentina in only 419 matches.
They also took him to 13 in the league this season and 73 in all competitions in 2012.
