Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Alfredo Di Stefano, Telmo Zarra, Real Madrid, Celta Vigo, La Liga
The Ballon d'Or finalist set two new, very impressive individual feats in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday, but garnered huge criticism on social media after winning his side a first-half spot kick.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed an unforgettable night in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo, their 18th consecutive victory in all competitions, registering a sublime hat-trick as Los Blancos strengthened their grip on the lead in Spain.

Opening the scoring in the 36th minute after winning his side a penalty, the 29-year-old former Manchester United attacker followed that up with two more goals in the second-half, in the 65th and 81st minute to brush aside Eduardo Berrizo's crew.

Competing against rival Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for this year's Ballon d'Or award, Ronaldo's latest hat-trick, his 23rd in Les Merengues shirt, saw him surpass the record previously held by Spanish Primera Divions legends Alfredo Di Stefano and Telmo Zarra for the most number of hat-tricks scored by one player in Liga BBVA, which previously stood at 22.

After opening the scoring from the spot with a controversial penalty goal in the 36th minute, the Portuguese attacker found the back of the net for the 2nd time of the night in the 65th minute with this strike


Ronaldo then completed his hat-trick vs Celta Vigo with only 9 minutes remaining on the clock.

CR7 scores a record-breaking 23rd La Liga hat-trick, Twitter reacts!

Pepe celebrates his Portuguese compatriot's hat-trick on Instagram

His 23rd goal in 13 appearances this season, 58 in 54 outings in the 2014 calendar year, Ronaldo claimed his 30th career hat-trick, and is now only one goal shy of equaling Mariano Martin's La Liga record of scoring in the most number of consecutive home matches, which currently stands at 18 games.

Furthermore, that wasn't the only new record the Portugal captain set this weekend. Ronaldo's last goal of the night saw him net his 200th goal in La Liga, and become the quickest player in history to reach this feat, in only 178 games, overtaking Telmo Zarra and Lionel Messi's tally of 219 and 235 games, respectively.

RECORD-BREAKER: Ronaldo becomes the fastest player in Spanish Primera Division history to reach the 200 goal mark, in only 178 games

Why the Real Madrid ace has scored 200 goals much quicker than Barca rival Lionel Messi. A logical argument?

Despite all this, Cristiano came under criticism on social media after scoring the opening goal at the Santiago Bernabeu. The reason why: he was blamed of diving for the spot kick.

Whilst there appeared to be slight contact with Ronaldo, many questioned as to whether there was enough to merit a penalty, accusing the Real Madrid ace of going down to easily inside the box. Watch the VINE below and you be the judge.

Cristiano blasted on Twitter after "diving" for Real Madrid's penalty goal

WATCH THE PENALTY IN THE VINE BELOW. WAS IT A DIVE IN YOUR EYES?