Lionel Messi named Liga BBVA Player of the Month for January

FC Barcelona forward Lionel Andres Messi (24 June 1987, Rosario, Argentina) has been named Liga BBVA Player of the Month for January, after some imperious performances throughout the first month of the year.

Messi's remarkably consistent form is a constant reminder of exactly why he is such a key figure in Luis Enrique's side. The Argentine constitutes one part of one of the most feared attacking trios in Liga BBVA history alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez: the MSN. Barcelona's start to the calendar year was almost flawless, with four wins and a draw, in which the 28-year-old scored six times, including a hat-trick against Granada CF as well as important strikes against Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club and Malaga CF.

This accolade, which is awarded by BBVA, the competition's main sponsor, and voted for by the LaLiga.eswriters, recognises Messi's outstanding displays and his goalscoring prowess, which make him one of the most feared strikers in the division.