From The Associated Press

Lionel Messi scored twice Saturday as Barcelona made the best start in the history of the Spanish league with a 5-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao.

The leader’s 13 wins and a draw in the opening 14 rounds surpasses Real Madrid’s 12 wins and two draws to begin the 1991-92 campaign.

The milestone, unmatched in 81 previous seasons, came in the first year under coach Tito Vilanova, who took over from Pep Guardiola in off-season after four campaigns as his assistant.

“I’m very happy for the performance of my players and for having achieved the record,” said Vilanova. “It’s good to have won so many games, but I am even happier that even winning 5-1 we were still looking for a sixth goal until the end.

“I’m sure that we will compete for titles this season.”

Messi’s 11th double of the season left him one goal shy of Gerd Mueller’s record of 85 for club and country in one calendar year, set in 1972.

The 25-year-old Messi, who could become the first player to win the FIFA world player of the year award four times, has scored 28 times this season, including a league-leading 21 goals.

Barcelona led 3-0 by halftime thanks to goals by Gerard Pique, Messi and Adriano. Cesc Fabregas and Messi scored after halftime.

From The Associated Press