Messi wins player of the month

The 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. He has been given the award for January, and amazingly never previously won the prize which is now in its third season.

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.