LIONEL MESSI netted his 643rd goal for Barcelona to equal Pele’s incredible record for the most goals scored for one club.
The Nou Camp skipper achieved the phenomenal feat during his side’s 202 draw with Valencia.
Lionel Messi has netted his 643rd goal for Barcelona – equalling Pele’s record for most goals with one clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Argentina star has been a talisman for the Catalan giants since joining the club as a teenager from Newell Old Boys.
To date, the prolific playmaker has won 34 trophies with Barca, including ten Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
And he now shares a goal tally with World Cup-winning football great Pele.
The 80-year-old Brazil icon netted 643 times in 656 official games for Santos between 1954 and 1976.
And he posted a message to Messi on his Facebook page, beaming: “When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path.
“Like you, I know what it’s like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home.
“Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona.
“Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be increasingly rare in football. I admire you very much.”
Messi’s history-making goal came courtesy of a mid-air header in the closing stages of the first half of Barcelona’s league game this term.
The Argentine had seen a penalty saved by Valencia stopper Jaume Domenich shortly before scoring.
And the Nou Camp giants, who had levelled through their captain’s first-half effort took the lead with Ronald Araujo netting in the 52nd minute.
Messi has equalled the record originally set by Brazil icon Pele for SantosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Barca skipper scored in the fourth minute of added time in the first half at the Nou Camp Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS
However, Valencia refused to be bowed and picked up a second-half equaliser to share the spoils.
The result sees Barcelona move to fifth and eight points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
A clash with Valladolid will be the final game Messi and his team-mates play before Christmas.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
