Lionel Messi Breaks All-Time La Liga Scoring Record [VIDEO]

Lionel Messi silenced reports that he wanted out of Barcelona on Saturday with a record setting performance. The Argentine striker scored a hat trick in FC Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over Sevilla and surpassed the great Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 goals in the process.

Zarra’s record of 251 goals has stood since 1955, but after today’s performance, Messi now stands alone atop the list with 253. Messi started the scoring with a phenomenal free kick in 22^nd minute of the game to tie Zarra’s record of 251. He broke the record in the 72^nd minute thanks to a perfectly placed cross by Neymar in front of the net.

The 27-year-old, four-time Ballon d’Or winner broke the record 8 years earlier than Zarra did in 1955 and thanked Zarra and the fans on his Facebook page after the match.

“When I scored this goal [his first ever goal in La Liga], I couldn’t imagine I could break any record, let alone this one previously held by the great Telmo Zarra,” Messi wrote.

“I was only able to achieve this because of the support I have had from so many people during my time here and I would like to dedicate this achievement to you all. Thanks for always being with me. I would also like to dedicate this to the people who are no longer with us anymore. I will never forget you. Thank you everyone for standing with me!”

Messi could score over 300 goals in La Liga by next season and because Ronaldo played the first seven years of his career with Manchester United is nearly 60 goals behind his longtime rival. Check out Messi’s post and first goal below and the highlights of the match.