Lionel Messi marked his 700th official game with Barcelona by doubling their lead against Borussia Dortmund in the teams’ Champions League group stage clash at the Nou Camp.
Messi collected a Luis Suarez pass in the 33rd minute, steering the ball past Roman Burki in the Dortmund goal to hand Barcelona a 2-0 lead.
Messi had earlier assisted strike partner Suarez when he shot through Burki’s legs to put Barcelona in front just before the half-hour mark, having seen an earlier strike ruled out for offside.
For Messi, the goal was his 613th for Barcelona in a landmark 700th game – making him just the second player to reach the appearance milestone after midfield legend Xavi, who turned out 767 times for the Catalans.
Messi set for 700th Barcelona game as he continues pursuit of Xavi & Pele records
Messi’s goal also means he has now scored against 34 different teams in the Champions League – moving him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and former Real Madrid great Raul.
Add Dortmund to the list ✅
Messi breaks a tie with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl. pic.twitter.com/B2kNjvLDfV
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 27, 2019
⭐ A NEW RECORD for Leo #Messi ⭐
⚽ against 3️⃣4️⃣ different teams!
🔥The MOST EVER in the UEFA @ChampionsLeague!🔥 pic.twitter.com/PeC7oMV3bD— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 27, 2019
Barca went into the break looking good for qualification from Group F, knowing a win would seal a spot in the last 16 with a game to spare.
👏 700 games
😳 613 goalsLionel Messi is a phenomenon.
He can't be of this earth?! pic.twitter.com/mKeD9Xsi60
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2019
Suarez —> Messi
Too easy 🔥 @brfootball pic.twitter.com/kgamE3D6l4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 27, 2019
Lionel Messi scores against his 34th opponent in the Champions League
A competition record 🐐 pic.twitter.com/QpsULytI7p
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 27, 2019
⚽️Lionel Messi has now scored 45+ goals for club & country in all 10 years in this decade
His highest scoring calendar year was 2012, scoring 91 goals 👏 pic.twitter.com/sDi5Zyxfq7
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 27, 2019
Source: RT