One of the things left for Lionel Messi to accomplish was to score the first goal of the UEFA Champions League. Today, the Argentine ace did so with a beautiful free kick goal.
"La Pulga" broke the deadlock after 32 minutes, drilling his left-footed shot into the top left-hand corner of Jeroen Zoet's net. This was Barcelona's second shot on goal, and what a way to make it count!
If that wasn't enough reason to celebrate, the Argentine is now the tournament's top scorer in group stage games, after breaking the tie with his eternal nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi has now scored more Champions League group stage goals than any other player in the competition's history (61); moving one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (60).
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 18, 2018
The 'rivalry' continues. pic.twitter.com/PntnXzKte1
Added to that, Messi is now the second player in history to score in 14 straight UCL campaigns.
2005/06
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 18, 2018
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
Lionel Messi has become just the second player to score in 14 consecutive Champions League seasons, after Spain striker Raul. pic.twitter.com/ekkvgugsKi