Barcelona star Lionel Messi ends wait for La Liga Player of the Month award

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named La Liga Player of the Month for the first time in his career.

The accolade was introduced from the beginning of the 2013-14 season, but five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had not won any of the previous 22 awards until today, when he was crowned for his six-goal haul in January.

He is only the second Barcelona player to win the award following Neymar's success earlier this season in November.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Atletico Madrid pair Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann and Real Sociedad striker Carlos Vela have all won the award twice.