Finally, Messi wins La Liga player of the month

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been named La Liga's Player of the Month for the first time in the two-and-a-half-season history of the award.

Messi - crowned the best player in the world for the fifth time at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in January
has ended his wait for the individual La Liga award following an impressive month.

Despite suffering a hamstring problem midway through January, the Argentina star scored six goals in as many matches to help keep Barca top of the league.

The 28-year-old follows Neymar in winning the award - the Brazilian was recognised for the first time in November - with the pair the only Barca players to claim the prize since its conception prior to the 2013-14 season.

"While it may be almost impossible to believe, Messi has finally been named the La Liga Player of the Month," read Barca's website today.

"The award has been given out since the beginning of the 2013-14 season and, this January, after 22 other players had been deemed more worthy in past editions, it was finally given to Messi