Messi breaks Telmo Zarra's 251 goals record to become La Liga's all-time top scorer

Argentina captain Lionel Messi fired away a hat trick in Barcelona's 5-1 victory over Sevilla to become the Spanish League's all-time top scorer overtaking late Telmo Zarra's record.

Messi finally matched Zarra's 251 goals with a fantastic free-kick in the 21st minute, having failed to score in his last three La Liga matches. Sevilla levelled through a Jordi Alba own goal, but Neymar made it 2-1 at the 49th minute.

Ivan Rakitic scored a header before Messi's record breaker in the 72nd minute from a counter-attack followed by goal number 253 six minutes later after a one-two with Neymar, The BBC reported. Messi's goal tally is all the more remarkable given his goals have come in only 250 starts for Barcelona. Earlier in the month, Messi drew level with Raul's all-time Champions League record of 71 goals after scoring twice in Barcelona's 2-0 victory against Ajax.

Barca manager Luis Enrique said after the feat that Messi is without doubt the best player he has seen as a player and a coach.

Against Sevilla the Argentine was in irresistible form, equalling the record with a breathtaking free-kick around the wall and past goalkeeper Beto to give Barca a 1-0 lead.

He struck again from close range in the 72nd minute and scored a third goal six minutes later with a powerful low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

After scoring the goal that took him past Zarra's total, Messi's teammates picked him up and threw him into the air several times while the crowd at the Nou Camp roared its approval.

The legendary Zarra scored 251 goals in a 15-year stay at Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and 50s.

Messi, who joined Barca's academy at the age of 13, has taken 10 seasons to overhaul Zarra, also setting a record for goals in a single campaign with 50 in 2011-12, the report added.