Barcelona’s Lionel Messi became the Champions League’s all-time top scorer with a hat-trick against Apoel Nicosia on Tuesday, 25 November, 2014.

Messi went into the Group F game in Cyprus level on 71 goals with former Real Madrid forward Raul.

Luis Suarez had already opened the scoring with his first goal for the club when Messi diverted Rafinha’s 38th-minute shot past the keeper.

Messi netted his second in the 58th-minute with a low right-foot finish before tapping home from close range.

“I am happy for having achieved such a nice record in a competition of this importance”, said the 27-year-old.

“But the really relevant thing is that we took the three points. Barcelona played a great match”.

It is Messi’s second major record in four days, having scored a landmark 253 Spanish top-flight goal with a hat-trick against Sevilla on Saturday.

Messi’s latest achievement earned him glowing praise from his manager Luis Enrique.

“I’ll say it again, he’s the best ever in this game”, said the former Spain midfielder.