Messi on the secret to free kick success: I try to follow a ritual

Lionel Messi spoke to the media again after his exhibition in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday night. 

The Argentine has taken his role as captain very seriously and has decided to lead by examply by speaking in the mixed zone after important games. 

The Barça No.10 scored two free kicks against Espanyol and explained his secret: "I try to follow a ritual, trying to do it in the same way if it works so that it comes off again. It came off twice but sometimes you take a ton and none go in. I was lucky enough that two went it."

Barça's Catalan derby win took them three points clear at the top of the table and Messi was impressed with the team's performance. 

He added: "We deserve a lot of credit for ensuring Espanyol weren't the Espanyol they've been this season. We started strongly, keeping the ball and we were lucky to get the early goal which change the game's dynamic.

"We found more space from then. We didn't let them play, we kept the ball and when they don't have it they suffer because they like to play and press high. But we were superior in all senses." 

Messi's display came at the end of a week in which he only finished fifth in the Ballon d'Or, missing out on the podium for the first time since 2006. 

"No," he said when asked if he was extra motivated after the Ballon d'Or snub. "We all went out really fired up from the beginning. We know what it means to come to this ground and to play against this team. Not just because it's a derby, but because of the great season they're having, beyond their recent results. They have a great coach and that's why we went out so up for it. 

In his role as captain, he also spoke about Ousmane Dembele's good form: "He's really good and has produced another great performance. The season's long and we need everyone at a good level and committed."