Football: Messi breaks La Liga goalscoring record

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, celebrates with his teammate Neymar, from Brazil, after scoring against Sevilla. Photo / AP

Lionel Messi became the top goalscorer in La Liga history with a hat-trick as Barcelona swept aside Sevilla 5-1 this morning to remain two points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid.

Messi moved level with legendary Basque striker Telmo Zarra when he opened the scoring with a trademark free-kick to register his 251st goal in his 289th appearance in the Spanish top flight.

A Jordi Alba own goal briefly brought Sevilla level early in the second-half, but Neymar swiftly restored Barca's advantage before Ivan Rakitic made the game safe when he headed home Luis Suarez's enticing cross against his old club.

Messi then took over as he slid in to convert Neymar's low cross to set a record mark and extended it moments later with a precise low finish to seal and round off a fine evening for Luis Enrique's men against a side that started the evening just two points adrift of the Catalans.

Earlier, Real Madrid saw off Basque minnows Eibar's dreams of a giant-killing thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo double to register their 14th consecutive win in all competitions with a 4-0 victory.

And champions Atletico Madrid remain four points off the top as they overcame Malaga 3-1 at the Vicente Calderon thanks to goals from Tiago, Antoine Griezmann and Diego Godin.

Real Madrid enjoyed a comfortable afternoon in unfamiliar surroundings on their first league visit at the 5000 capacity Ipurua stadium in Eibar.

The European champions had more than a touch of fortune in the first half as James Rodriguez headed home the opener despite Ronaldo and Karim Benzema appearing to be in an offside position in the build-up to the goal.

Ronaldo then doubled the lead himself with a mishit shot that looped beyond Xabi Irureta just before the break.

Benzema smashed home the third 20 minutes from time before Ronaldo rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot.

"The objective is to continue with this run because the team is playing well and the players are motivated," said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

"But the season is very long and we need to continue with this type of attitude."

AFP rj

-AAP