Meesi’s week started with much speculation about his future at Barcelona and ended with him becoming the all-time top goalscorer in the history of La Liga.
His second goal of three in Barca’s 5-2 win over Sevilla took him on to 252 Primera Division goals and elevated him above former Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra as the clear leader.
The Nou Camp went crazy with Messi chants as the stadium announcer revealed that history had been made. The Argentine was lofted into the air by his teammates, Messi then went ahead to completed his hat-trick.
Neymar and Ivan Rakitic were also on target as Luis Enrique’s side eliminated any doubt on their form with a dominant performance. When Messi first moved within striking distance there was an expectancy that he’d break it at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. There were even rumours that, if that was the case, there would be a break in the Clasico to recognise the Argentine’s achievement.
It didn’t come in the Spanish capital, though. Nor did it come the following week when Barca were beaten at home by Celta Vigo; it didn’t even come before the international break, when the Catalans struggled to a 2-1 win away at Almeria.
That it came at Camp Nou felt right. And that it came after a week which has seen his future at the club come under the spotlight may have been even sweeter. Messi’s career has rarely been about what he does away from the pitch so it comes as no surprise that attention has soon been switched back towards what he does on it.
Celebrations continued after the whistle as his teammates once again gave him the bumps in the air in front of his adoring public. Then they gathered in the middle of the pitch to watch a video where Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Andoni Zubizarreta relayed congratulatory messages.
And then Messi disappeared back down the tunnel with more Messi chants filling the emptying old stadium. No doubt he won’t stew on this record for too long. Goal number 254 is to be scored.