DHAKA: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi broke Telmo Zarra's all-time La Liga goal-scoring record of 251 goals with a hat trick in the 5-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday.

Messi opened the scoring on 21 minutes to equal Zarra's feat before netting again on 72 minutes to make it 252 Liga goals in 289 appearances and take him beyond the former Athletic Bilbao forward.

The key goal was a sliding tap in with his right foot from Neymar's cross and Messi, 27, was subsequently congratulated by his teammates and the crowd.

The Argentina international then completed his hat trick with 12 minutes remaining, meaning his total now stands at 253 Liga strikes.

Barcelona's 5-1 win against Sevilla took them back to within two points of Liga leaders Real Madrid, who beat Eibar 4-0 earlier in the day.

BDST: 0904 HRS, NOV 23, 2014