Former Barcelona star Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the club's 5-1 against Sevilla at the Camp Nou on November 22, 2014. With this, Messi achieved the milestone of became the all-time highest goal-scorer in the history of La Liga, surpassing Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 goals. Earlier, former Spanish footballer Zarra had remained in the top spot for quite some time in Athletic Bilbao colours.
Telmo Zarra held the record for being the highest goal-scorer in the history of La Liga despite him bidding adieu to professional football 59 years prior. However, the record was finally broken by Argentine star Lionel Messi after his hat-trick against Sevilla in 2014. Messi is still the highest goal-scorer in La Liga, scoring 474 goals after playing 520 matches for Barcelona. On the other hand, Messi biggest rival and former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is in second past in the all-time list with 311 goals in 292 appearances.
I couldn't imagine I could break any record: Lionel Messi expressed his feelings after being highest goal scorer in La Liga
After the La Liga match in 2014 in Barcelona colours, Lionel Messi also expressed his emotions on being the highest goal-scorer in La Liga, surpassing the Spanish football legend. Messi said that he couldn’t believe after achieving the milestone and thanked his fans for showering constant support.
'When I scored that goal (against Albacete) I couldn't imagine I could break any record, let alone this one previously held by the great Telmo Zarra. 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 any more. I will never forget you. Thank you everyone for standing with me,” Messi was quoted as saying by India Today.
