Messi's inspirational message to teammates overheard as he gets honoured for record-breaking feat

- Lionel Messi was caught on camera motivating his teammates ahead of the game against Real Valladolid

- Barcelona recorded a 1-0 win over Valladolid and are now a point behind Atletico Madrid in the title race

- La Blaugrana will be taking on Real Madrid in their next game and could have a massive impact in their quest to recapture the title

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Lionel Messi's inspired Barcelona to move within a point behind league leaders Atletico Madrid following victory over Real Valladolid, Mirror.

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute goal gave La Blaugrana the edge in what looks like a frustrating night at the Camp Nou.

Before the game, Messi was heard in the tunnel motivating his teammates knowing fully well that they will go a point behind Atletico if they win.

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"We have to step it up a gear.

“We have to play with more rhythm.

“We have to win this however we can"

Messi has made the most appearances for Barcelona when he played his 768th game after they thrashed Real Sociedad by 6-1 against and was honoured with a special commemorative framed club shirt.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner looks like he is going to stay at the Camp Nou after Joan Laporta returned as president of the club.

There has been a dramatic turn of fortunes for Barcelona as they are now fully in contention for the La Liga title.

The Catalan giants' next game is El Clasico when they face their fiercest rivals Real Madrid for the first time at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been honoured at the Spanish club after he equalled Xavi Hernandez’ record with his 767th appearance for the Camp Nou giants.

The Argentine legend also set a new record after he featured against Real Sociedad prior to last night’s match against Valladolid.

Before the start of the game with Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou, the Argentinian was given a special tribute in honour of such a remarkable achievement.

Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué and Sergi Roberto, his fellow team captains, presented him with a shirt signed by all of his teammates. And it was a very special shirt – the one from the 2003/04 season in which Messi made his first-team debut.