Messi bags hat-trick against APOEL to set new Champions League goalscoring record

Lionel Messi is now the Champions League all-time highest goalscorer, after his hat-trick against APOEL Nicosia, took him to 74 in 91 appearances.

The Barcelona forward was level with Real Madrid legend Raul going into the game, after he scored a brace against Ajax at the beginning of November.

Messi’s latest feat comes just days after he bagged a hat-trick in Barca’s 5-1 victory over Sevilla, to become La Liga’s all-time highest goalscorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo is now third on the list with 70 goals and will be seeking to keep pace with Messi, as Madrid take on FC Basle in Switzerland on Wednesday.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

1st: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 74 goals

2nd: Raul (Real Madrid, Schalke) – 71

3rd: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Real Madrid) – 70

4th: Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Real Madrid) – 56

5th: Thierry Henry (Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona) – 50

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