Lionel Messi Is Now The All-Time Top Scorer In Top Five European Leagues

Lionel Messi has become the all-time top scorer in the top five European leagues, moving ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner came up clutch with the winning goal from the spot ten minutes from time to secure a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad last night.

It was his 55th goal in La Liga history, but more importantly it was his 438th goal in 474 Spanish top flight appearances.

Messi has eclipsed the previous record set by long-time rival Ronaldo, who has 437 goals in 540 appearances across three leagues for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Third spot on the list is occupied by Jimmy Greaves, scorer of 366 goals for Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham and AC Milan, while Bayern and Germany legend Gerd Muller hit 365 league goals and is fourth in the all-time top scorer rankings.

Messi was fortunate to have reached the milestone at the Nou Camp, having somehow escaped punishment for a stamp on Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente.

While Messi was off balance and his momentum carried him forward, it appears as though he could have avoided the contact.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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