Leo Messi became the maximum goal scorer in Champions League history after netting a hat trick in last night's MatchDay 5 meeting with APOEL. The Argentinean broke the tournament record of 71 goals which had been held by Raul Gonzalez, including those he scored for Real Madrid and Schalke 04 between 1995 and 2012. Raul himself broke the previous record, set by Alfredo Di Staefano in the 2-1 win over Olympiacos in September 2005.
Leo Messi became the maximum goal scorer in Champions League history after netting a hat trick in last night’s MatchDay 5 meeting with APOEL. The Argentinean broke the tournament record of 71 goals which had been held by Raúl González, including those he scored for Real Madrid and Schalke 04 between 1995 and 2012. Raúl himself broke the previous record, set by Alfredo Di Stéfano in the 2-1 win over Olympiacos in September 2005.
Messi had to wait until minute 38 of tonight match to set a new tournament best. Luis Suárez had put Barça ahead on the half hour and Messi added another three to take his own personal tally in the Champions League to 74.
Messi has reset the record in just 91 games; Raúl found the net 71 times in 142 outings in European football’s premier club competition while Cristiano Ronaldo, currently third in the all-time standings, in on 70 goals from 107 games and could move into second place should he find the target against Basel today. Out of the top 10 scorers of all-time, only Messi, Cristiano and Didier Drogba remain in activity.