The day has finally come. Many expected him to reach this feat weeks ago, but Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has now become La Liga's highest scorer in history.
Scoring a hat-trick in his side's 5-1 win over Sevilla, the Argentine, who started off the clash with 250 goals to his name, saw his tally of Spanish Primera Division goals reach 253, beating Telmo Zarra's record of 251 strikes.
After experiencing a horrid few weeks in Liga BBVA, in which Messi underwent a one-month goal drought, the 27-year-old attacker opened the scoring in the 21st minute of Saturday's encounter to draw level with the Athletic Bilbao legend's tally.
Conceding an equalizer 26 minutes later, strikes from Brazilian and Barcelona's leading scorer this season Neymar, and summer signing Ivan Rakitic gave the Blaugrana a comfortable lead over Unai Emery's crew, before Messi scored his second of the night in the 72nd minute.
Slotting in from close range, the Albiceleste captain became La Liga's all-time scorer in history upon netting a brace, as the Barcelona players surrounded the four-time Ballon d'Or winner and hoisted him high up the air in celebration .
RECORD-BREAKING: Lionel Messi becomes La Liga's higest goalscorer in history with hat-trick vs Sevilla
UPDATE - Messi has become the leading goalscorer of the Spanish league pic.twitter.com/9lMdRV0mHs
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) November 22, 2014
The Argentine's 2nd goal of the night took him past Telmo Zarra's tally of 251 strikes in the Spanish Primera Division, before the 27-year-old netted for the 253rd time
RECORD: Lionel Messi is the all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga history with 252 goals. Once in a lifetime player. pic.twitter.com/23QgTQ63kx
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 22, 2014
142 - Lionel Messi has scored 56% out of his 253 La Liga goals at the Camp Nou. Unforgettable pic.twitter.com/HzuxBMTi9q
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 22, 2014
Six minutes later, Messi's hat-trick was complete, bagging his side's fifth goal past Beto. After the final whistle came down, the Argentine was handed the match ball and received a guard of honor from his team-mates, as videos and tributes played at Camp Nou in commemoration of Messi's feat.
Lionel Messi's record breaking game by numbers: Shots: 5 Goals: 3 Pass accuracy: 95% Chances created: 2 Take ons: 7 pic.twitter.com/WXuBC42yOf
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 22, 2014
UPDATED | Messi's 253 goals in La Liga by body part pic.twitter.com/WMwrfGLjlL
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) November 22, 2014
Reaction on Twitter
Congratulations Lionel Messi. Extraordinary record for an extraordinary player.
— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) November 23, 2014
Messi will win another Ballon D'or.
— MH (@MHGooner95) November 23, 2014
When Messi plays with a smile, everyone has one.
— I'm back! (@Neymarred) November 23, 2014
Messi be like : " I'm sorry haters, I can't stop breaking records." pic.twitter.com/RPq0EU6Dxh
— Julian (@FCBJulian) November 22, 2014
After the game, the Catalan giants' 44-year-old manager Luis Enrique hailed the Barcelona number 10, expressing joy at being able to work with Messi, whilst insisting Lionel is “the best player ever”.
"I'm fortunate enough to be able to train him every day. I don't know if you can compare him with another player, he is unique. It won't be repeated. We have the fortune to enjoy it," the Blaugrana boss stated.
"I like to live in the present and it is wonderful. For me, Messi is the best player ever."
WHERE IT ALL STARTED: Watch the four-time Ballon d'Or winners' first Liga BBVA goal for Barca
This got it all started http://t.co/2cKAHPRBC5 #Messi253 [via @fcbarcelona_es]
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) November 22, 2014
HUMOR: How Leo watched his tribute at Camp Nou
[VIDEO] This is how Leo #Messi watched his tribute http://t.co/sam8WE8kgc #Messi253
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 22, 2014
Messi' guard of honor after the game
WORLD's VINEST - Guard of honour for Messi https://t.co/4du7MLsc2X [via @10_leo10messi10]
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) November 22, 2014