Tuesday's win over Real Valladolid turned out to be a historic game for Barcelona's Lionel Messi. The Argentine enjoyed an excellent performance, leading the Blaugrana to a 3-0 triumph, and entered the history books in the 65th minute.
The Catalan giants broke the deadlock after only 21 minutes of play. Clement Lenglet scored a lovely header courtesy of an exquisite cross from none other than their captain Leo, with Braithwaite doubling the visitors' lead only 14 minutes later.
Messi had a few opportunities to score in the first half but saw his efforts saved. However, in the 65th minute, La Pulga finally got himself onto the scoresheet, scoring the team's third of the night after a brilliant back-heel assist from Pedri.
This strike was the Camp Nou icon's 644th overall goal for the Catalan giants, an effort that saw him shatter the record for most career goals for a single club. Pele previously held that record with 643 goals for Santos, but the Argentine talent moved level with the Brazilian legend in the 2-2 draw with Valencia before surpassing him.
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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 22, 2020
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner took to social media the following day to celebrate this feat, making sure to thank his team-mates for helping him make history.
"When I started playing football I never thought I'd break any record, especially not the one I achieved today that Pele held," Messi wrote on Instagram.
"I can only give my thanks to everyone who helped me during these years, my teammates, my family, my friends, and everyone who supports me every day."
Pele congratulated Messi over the weekend when the 33-year-old equaled his record, hailing the diminutive magician for his unbelievable career at Barcelona. Koeman also spoke highly of the captain, stressing that Leo is happy at the club amid ongoing speculation regarding his future.
