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'It's more competitive than ever' - Barcelona talisman Messi hopes La Liga stays wide open

Lionel Messi said La Liga is "more competitive than ever" and he hopes it stays that way as he collected the Trofeo Di Stefano for the division's best player in 2017-18.

The Barcelona superstar received the award from Spanish sports newspaper Marca on Monday, while also being presented with the Trofeo Pichichi for his 34-goal haul last season.

Messi took his La Liga tally for 2018-19 to nine with a double in Barca's surprise 4-3 loss at home to Real Betis on Sunday, a result that saw their advantage at the summit cut to just one point.