Messi sets La Liga scoring record of 253 goals

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi set a La Liga scoring record of 253 goals when he netted a hat-trick in Saturday's 5-1 win at home to Sevilla.

The previous record has been held by former Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra since 1955, which marked the end of the Spaniard's 15-year career with the Basque club.

Zarra scored his 251 goals in 277 appearances, while Argentina captain Messi needed 289 games.

Forward Messi, 27, equaled the record in the 21st minute with a typically breathtaking strike, curling a left-footed shot around the wall and past Sevilla goalkeeper Beto into the net.

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

His Barca team mates picked him up and threw him into the air several times while his adoring fans at the Nou Camp wildly cheered their talisman, who joined the club's academy at the age of 13.

The four-times World Player of the Year has scored 206 goals with his favored left foot, 38 with his right, eight with his head and one, which should have been ruled out, with his hand.

He matched former Real Madrid and Schalke 04 forward Raul's Champions League scoring record of 71 goals last month.