It seemed to have been a long time coming, but Lionel Messi finally matched and then overhauled the all-time Primera Division scoring record as his three goals at Camp Nou helped Barcelona to a 5-1 thrashing of Sevilla.
Messi has had Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 La Liga goals in his sights for some time, but has failed to get on the scoresheet in his last three Primera matches. At last, however, the Argentine equalled the Athletic Bilbao striker’s milestone with a wonderful trademark fantastic free kick with just 20 minutes played.
Although Sevilla levelled through a Jordi Alba own goal, Neymar immediately made it 2-1. Ivan Rakitic extended the Catalans’ lead against his former club before Messi’s record breaking goal from a counter-attack. Messi’s team-mates lifted him into the air to celebrate the vital strike as the Camp Nou crowd roared its approval.
The Argentine then moved swiftly on to 253 after a one-two with Neymar for Barca’s fifth. It was harsh on Sevilla, who are themselves having a fine season, but they found Messi, who has had an inconsistent season, in irresistible form. The maestro has now scored 18 times in 17 encounters with the Andalusians and picked up 265 EuroFantasyLeague points.
Zarra hit 251 goals in 277 appearances in La Liga for the Basque side between 1940 and 1955. Messi has scored his 253 in 289 games for Barcelona, but in a club career spanning five fewer years than the Bilbao legend.
Earlier this month, Messi drew level with Raul Gonzalez’s all-time Champions League record of 71 goals after he netted twice in the Catalans’ 2-0 victory against Ajax. He could break that record against APOEL in Cyprus on Tuesday as Barca chase PSG to finish first in their group.
Messi’s hat-trick took him to 10 goals for the season in 12 appearances in La Liga, but the man from Rosario has a way to go to catch Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 20 times in 11 appearances following a brace against Eibar on Saturday.
The Portuguese has been in sparking form in the current campaign, while Messi has often looked tired and disinterested. Despite Messi’s record, the Real Madrid man’s prolific performances could give him the edge when the annual Ballon d’Or prize is awarded.
That contrast also extends to the golden duo’s respective clubs. Los Blancos have been in irresistible form, their strength all over the pitch making them an awesome proposition for any opponents, including La Blaugrana, who found Carlo Ancelotti’s men too hot to handle when the sides met in October’s Clasico.
Barcelona, meanwhile, made an almost perfect start but have struggled to attain the dominance of their deadly rivals, even with the arrival of Luis Suarez as part of arguably the world’s most deadly attack. The Uruguayan has yet to score in four Primera matches, having failed to get among the goals in Saturday’s win. Barca will not be unduly concerned yet – the day belonged to Messi.
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