Messi receives 3rd European Golden Shoe in a row

Barcelona: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi picked up a record-extending sixth — and third consecutive — European Golden Shoe award today following his outstanding individual 2018-19 domestic campaign. The award is presented to the top goalscorer in league football across Europe, with the Argentine finding the net 36 times last season as Barca retained their La Liga title. Messi was three ahead of nearest rival Kylian Mbappe, who scored 33 times for Paris St Germain as they won France’s Ligue 1."My team and my teammates, I would have never been able to win even one of these awards without them," Messi said at the presentation in Barcelona. "This is a recognition for everyone, all the team." The forward, who won his first Golden Shoe in 2010, admitted he was disappointed to have missed out on Champions League glory again after Barcelona blew a 3-0 first leg lead to Liverpool at the semi-final stage. However, he said he was conscious that the league should be the club’s priority. Reuters