Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo record of most goals in top five leagues

Lionel Messi has broken another record previously set by Cristiano Ronaldo after opening the scoring for Paris Saint-Germain against Strasbourg.

With 12 Ballon d'Or wins between them and a whole host of individual accolades, Messi and Ronaldo's careers have been side-by-side and they are regularly mentioned in the same sentence.

But Messi moved ahead of his long-time rival on Saturday night. The Argentine magician put PSG ahead with his 16th league goal of the season and one that could clinch the Ligue One title for Christophe Galtier's side.

Yet it was also of even more importance because it was the 496th goal in a top five European league and sees his tally climb above Ronaldo, who has scored 495 times.

Messi, who found the net with aplomb after a fine pass from Kylian Mbappe, has also done it in 49 fewer games.

🚨🚨✅| OFFICIAL: Leo Messi has now scored the MOST goals in Europe's Top 5 Leagues ever, overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo:

• Messi 496 goals in 577 matches
• Ronaldo 495 goals in 626 matches pic.twitter.com/pnL6MbxvWE

— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 27, 2023

Though second-placed RC Lens are also winning, PSG look set to be crowned champions with a game to spare should they hold on to their lead.

Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi combine for the goal that could clinch the Ligue 1 title for Paris Saint-Germain...

🎬 @btsportfootball pic.twitter.com/BLj3W1wutv

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 27, 2023

Messi has had a less than perfect relationship with the PSG fans and it was seriously hindered of late when he headed to Saudi Arabia for a contractually obliged trip that did not come with the club's permission.

It came after a shock defeat to Lorient and Messi was hit with a suspension and fine as a result. Although he issued a full apology and explanation, the Barcelona legend was booed by fans upon his return in the game against Ajaccio earlier this month.

His contract at the Parc des Princes is due to expire in the summer and he continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal and a return to his beloved Barcelona.

La Albiceleste colleague Emiliano Martinez is trying his best to get him to Aston Villa and has said he is willing to cut his salary to make the impossible transfer happen.