Lionel Messi gets his hands on only his SECOND La Liga Player of the Month award, despite his unbelievable Barcelona career

LIONEL MESSI has incredibly won only his SECOND La Liga Player of the Month award, despite a stellar Barcelona career spanning 12 years.

The Argentine wizard, 29, has incredibly won the award just twice, despite an incredible, goal-filled, trophy-laden 12 years at the Nou Camp.

EPA

Messi won the award for April having amassed an impressive eight goals in six league games.

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Those strikes all came in the form of doubles too, scoring a brace apiece against Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Osasuna.

Messi’s red-hot form has coincided with a strong run for Barca as they have nipped above rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga table on goal difference.

AP:Associated Press

Both teams have 84 points, however, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co have a game in hand over the Catalan giants.

Messi has been the key man for Barcelona, as ever, despite being surrounding by a swarm of talent, including Neymar and Luis Suarez.

The Argentine has netted 35 La Liga goals alone this season, making him Spain's top scorer by a considerable distance.

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Messi recently even scored his 500th competitive goal in all competitions for Barcelona as he shows no signs of slowing down.

With 51 goals in all competitions this season - from just 49 games - it is almost unbelievable to think this is only Messi's second Player of the Month award.

However, it's worth noting the gong was only introduced in 2013 - with Barca and Real players often overlooked for the award.

PA:Press Association

Diego Costa won the inaugural trophy in September 2013, during his Atletico Madrid days.

Meanwhile, arch-nemesis Ronaldo has also won the award just twice, along with Diego Godin, Koke, Nolito and Carlos Vela.

The all-time biggest winner of the award is Manchester United target and Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, with four.