Lionel Messi has set a new Champions League record with his hat-trick against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
The Argentine struck three times to sink Pep Guardiola’s side at Camp Nou, while City were reduced to 10 men in the second half following the dismissal of Claudio Bravo.
But Messi’s treble now means that he has scored 50 goals at home in the Champions League, more than any other player in the competition’s history.
Former Real Madrid and Schalke striker Raul had held the record with 49 home goals.
‘He [Messi] was decisive,’ said Barca boss Luis Enrique.
‘He was involved in all the game’s key moments.
‘Messi finishes as if he were playing on the school playground.’
Messi’s treble, plus Neymar’s late strike, sealed the victory for Luis Enrique’s side, who are now five points clear of City at the top of Group C.
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