Messi: LaLiga Santander is more competitive than ever Football Argentine received MARCA's Pichichi award for 2017/18

Barcelona hosted MARCA's football awards for the 2017/18 season which saw Leo Messi win the Pichichi prize for his 34 goals and the Argentine admitted that LaLiga Santander is now a more competitive league than it has ever been before.

Messi received the award from MARCA director Juan Ignacio Gallardo for his status as top scorer last season.

"It's good that the league is more competitive than ever, nothing is easy, anyone can beat anyone and I hope it continues like that for some time," the Barcelona No.10 said.

"I am always more interested in the importance that goals have rather than how good they look."

The Di Stefano trophy, awarded to the best player of the season, also went to Messi and he was presented with a genius work of art made by French artist Michael Raivand.

"I'm a little scared about my elbow because I didn't have much contact, but I loosened up a bit as the game [against Real Betis] went on," he continued.

For the third consecutive year, Jan Oblak won the Zamora trophy after conceding just 22 goals in 37 games for Atletico Madrid.

"I like to hear that I'm the best in the world, that's what I have been working towards my whole life," he admitted.

"These awards are a result of the whole team, who help me a lot to achieve it and keep clean sheets.

"I hope that we win another title this year."

The Zarra award, which goes to the top Spanish scorer, was won by Iago Aspas, who bagged 22 goals for Celta Vigo in the last campaign, but the Galician forward could not be present at the ceremony as he joins up with the Spanish national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches.

"Thanks MARCA and my teammates and everyone for this prize," he said in a pre-recorded video.

"We will keep fighting to try and catch Messi."

Valencia boss Marcelino received the Miguel Munoz trophy, which is awarded to LaLiga Santander's best coach after he led Los Che to the Champions League places.

"Last season was magnificent," he intimated.

"I want to thank MARCA for this prize".

"We have a great squad, we're not getting the results we want at the moment, but we are confident we will do so.

"I'm sure that all the draws, eight out of 12, will soon become wins."

Carlos Del Cerro Grande picked up the Guruceta trophy, awarded to the league's best referee.

"I believe we are all very happy that we have VAR in our league because it will give us more justice," he admitted.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas also attended the event and spoke about how he will continue to promote the league globally.