Lionel Messi broke Barcelona's all-time scoring record with a hat-trick in a 5-3 triumph against Granada at the Camp Nou.
The 24-year-old three-times World Player of the Year entered the match with 231 goals for the Blaugrana, one short of the club record set by César Rodríguez in the 1940s and 50s in his 314th appearance.
Messi started his night by setting up a goal, rather than scoring one, as he laid on the assist for Xavi's opener after just four minutes.
The Argentine forward then equaled the record with his 17th minute effort before a spirited Granada rallied with two quick goals after half-time.
Firstly, Diego Mainz pulled a goal back 10 minutes into the second half before Guilherme Siqueira leveled the score line from the penalty spot seven minutes later.
The man of the moment was not about to be denied though and Messi broke the club's scoring record when he bagged his second goal on 67 minutes.
Substitute Cristian Tello made it 4-2 with eight minutes remaining before Messi rounded out the evening with his third moments later.
There was still time for Siqueira to score a second penalty of the night, but Barcelona were impressive in victory as they reduced the margin on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to just five points.
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| Lionel Messi scores his hat-trick to beat the Barcelona scoring record with 234 goals Photo: Getty Images |
The 24-year-old three-times World Player of the Year entered the match with 231 goals for the Blaugrana, one short of the club record set by César Rodríguez in the 1940s and 50s in his 314th appearance.
Messi started his night by setting up a goal, rather than scoring one, as he laid on the assist for Xavi's opener after just four minutes.
The Argentine forward then equaled the record with his 17th minute effort before a spirited Granada rallied with two quick goals after half-time.
Firstly, Diego Mainz pulled a goal back 10 minutes into the second half before Guilherme Siqueira leveled the score line from the penalty spot seven minutes later.
The man of the moment was not about to be denied though and Messi broke the club's scoring record when he bagged his second goal on 67 minutes.
Substitute Cristian Tello made it 4-2 with eight minutes remaining before Messi rounded out the evening with his third moments later.
There was still time for Siqueira to score a second penalty of the night, but Barcelona were impressive in victory as they reduced the margin on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to just five points.
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