Messi’s four-goal salvo in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Osasuna saw the 25-year-old become the youngest player to pass 200 goals in La Liga history, a feat that came in only 235 matches.
It also took Messi’s league tally up to an incredible 33 already this season, and means he has now scored in 11 successive matches in La Liga, which is also a record.
Mascherano said of his compatriot: “It’s surreal to talk about him because what he does is from another world.”
Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura admits that with Messi seemingly breaking records almost every time he sets foot on the pitch these days, it does not always immediately sink in just what he is achieving.
“When you’re with him every day there comes a point when these things seem normal. But when you stop and reflect on what has been done you simply put your hands to your head. It seems like he has no limits,” said Roura, who again sat on the bench while head coach Tito Vilanova continues his recovery from cancer surgery.
Next up for Messi and co is Wednesday’s mouthwatering Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against arch rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Roura believes Barca are going into that match in good touch following their win over 10-man Osasuna, which came after the Catalan giants saw their unbeaten La Liga record ended by Real Sociedad last weekend. “The best way to approach this match was to win against Osasuna. I think we’re on the right track,” said Roura.
