BARCELONA,(Reuters) – Lionel Messi equalled the La Liga scoring record of 251 goals when he gave Barcelona a 1-0 lead with a superb free kick in the 21st minute of yesterday’s match at home to Sevilla.The record was set by former Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra in 1955 in the Spaniard’s 15th and final season with the Basque club.
Zarra scored his 251 goals in 277 appearances, while Barca and Argentina captain Messi needed 289 games.
Forward Messi, 27, equalled the record with a typically breathtaking strike, curling a left-footed shot around the wall and past Sevilla goalkeeper Beto into the net.
The four-times World Player of the Year has scored 205 goals with his favoured left foot, 37 with his right, eight with his head and one, which should have been ruled out, with his hand.
He matched former Real Madrid and Schalke 04 forward Raul’s Champions League scoring record of 71 goals last month.