MESSI WINS HIS FIRST EVER LA LIGA PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been named La Liga's Player of the Month for January surprisingly the first time the Barcelona star has received the award.
Seventeen different players had previously been recognised since the official award was launched in September 2013.
 official La Liga statement.
"FC Barcelona forward Lionel Andres Messi has been named Liga BBVA Player of the Month for January, after some imperious performances throughout the first month of the year," the statement read.
"Messi's remarkably consistent form is a constant reminder of exactly why he is such a key figure in Luis Enrique's side. The Argentine constitutes one part of one of the most feared attacking trios in Liga BBVA history alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez: the MSN.
"Barcelona's start to the calendar year was almost flawless, with four wins and a draw, in which the 28-year-old scored six times, including a hat trick against Granada CF as well as important strikes against Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club and Malaga."
La Liga's Player of the Month award is voted for by the writers at the league's official website.