Messi equals Pele’s one-club scoring record with 643rd Barca goal

Lionel Messi has equalled Pele’s all-time record for goals scored with a single club by netting his 643rd career goal for Barcelona. 

The Argentine has played his entire professional career at Camp Nou, having moved to Spain as a teenager from Newell’s Old Boys in order to continue with his vital growth hormone treatments.

And, since making his competitive debut in 2004, he has matched countless all-time records in football – even some that, like Pele’s, were once thought to be unassailable.

Saturday’s goal against Valencia just before half-time was his 643rd strike for the Catalans.

Unusually for a player not exactly known for his prowess in the air, Messi used his head to pull Barca back level at 1-1 at Mestalla, a vital goal as Ronald Koeman’s men look to reignite their spluttering Liga campaign.

Messi’s record with Barcelona also includes 10 Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a total of 34 major trophies.

His exploits have also helped him to six Ballon d’Or prizes, more than anyone else in football history.