A record night for Messi as Barcelona keep pace with Primera Liga leaders

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi scored three times in Barcelona's 7-0 rout of Osasuna at the Camp Nou on March 16, 2014, to pass Paulino Alcantara's 369 and become Barcelona's all-time leShow more

Barcelona // Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to go past Paulino Alcantara's 369-goal club record as Barcelona destroyed Osasuna 7-0 in the Primera Liga.

Alcantara netted his haul in two spells for the Catalans between 1912-16 and 1918-27. Known as “Net Buster”, his endeavours came before the Spanish league started in 1929 and many goals were in regional or friendly matches.

His goals have gained prominence in recent years as historians began looking at what records Messi had left to break.

Barca’s all-time leading scorer was long considered Cesar, who scored 232 in official matches in the 1950s. Messi beat his record two years ago.

“I’m feeling good,” Messi said. “I’m getting back after my injury, caught the rhythm, have more confidence. I think I have fully recovered now.”

The Argentinian put Barca ahead after 17 minutes, flicking an Alexis Sanchez cross past goalkeeper Andres Fernandez. The goal settled the Catalans who had lost two of their previous three away matches. Sanchez made it 2-0 with another goal from a short, low cross, this time Jordi Alba crossing to the Chilean who shot from the edge of the box.

Andres Iniesta scored his side’s third in the 33rd minute, a rising left-foot strike from outside the area. Barça were dominant, as they usually are at home.

Messi made it four in the 63rd minute, the goal threat again coming from after skilful work from Iniesta. Aside from his usual celebration, Messi stood in front of fans at Camp Nou’s towering stands and raised both arms to the sky. That the goal came in the 17th minute was a bonus for fans who singe for independence in the 17th minute of every half.

Substitute Cristian Tello made it 5-0 after cutting in from the left wing and striking a shot with his right foot from outside the box.

Messi made it six after Alves cut in, again from the wing, to tee him up. Alves was involved in Barca’s seventh, combining with Messi before Pedro scored.

Osasuna held Gerardo Martino’s side at home in October and beat the Catalans’ title rivals Atletico Madrid 3-0 three weeks ago, but have now lost their last three games without scoring and sit 15th, three points above the relegation zone.

With Atletico defeating Espanyol and leaders Real Madrid winning at Malaga, Barca remain a point behind Atletico and four points off the top. They can reduce that to a point next Sunday in the clasico at the Bernabeu.

“Clasico? We hope to play a good game. It will be very difficult,” said Messi. “We’ll try to win so we can compete for the Liga until the end.”

More interestingly, given recent speculation that he may leave Barca, Messi added: “My objective is to retire here at Barça. As long as people want, I will continue. I’m happy here.”

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