Zlatan's blast as Messi goes for gold

last night had a pop at Lionel Messi over the Barcelona superstar's nomination for another Ballon D'or gong.

The mercurial Argentinian has been nominated along with Barca team-mate Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo. . But last night PSG striker Ibrahimovic – who once played at the Nou Camp, reignited a long-running feud with Messi.

He said: "How many times has Messi won? Two, three?

"If the jury wants to be more fair, they must give it to someone else this time."

Ibrahimovic was shortlisted when the final 23-man cut for the list was released. But he missed out on the final three.

Meanwhile, Messi has moved to within one goal of overtaking German legend Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals for club and country in a year.

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

Barca led 3-0 by half-time thanks to goals by Gerard Pique, Messi and Adriano. Cesc Fabregas and Messi scored after the break.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Valencia sacked coach Mauricio Pellegrino after the 5-2 defeat at home to Real Sociedad left them languishing in 12th place.

"We have been exchanging opinions, debating and we have taken the decision to sack Pellegrino," said club president Manuel Llorente.