LONDON: Star striker Lionel Messi has set yet another all-time world record as he has moved past the legendary Pele to become the highest goalscorer ever for a single club.
Messi achieved the feat during Barca’s 3-0 win against Valladolid on Tuesday evening.
The Argentine ace has now scored staggering 644 goals, all wearing a Barcelona FC shirt, across 17 seasons and 749 games. That surpasses the 643 goals that Pele scored for Santos, until now the world record and one that few people thought would ever been broken.
“When I started playing football I never thought I would break any records. And even less the one I achieved today,” Messi posted on Instagram shortly after the game.
“I can only thank all those who helped me over the years, my teammates, my family, my friends and all those who support me every day,” he added.
Pele had earlier congratulated Messi when the latter had equalled his record.
“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,” Pele said recently.