Lionel Messi Equals Raul's Champions League Goal-Scoring Record

Lionel Messi added another record to his fantastic collection on Wednesday, as the Barcelona forward equaled Real Madrid legend Raul's Champions League scoring record against Ajax, with 71 goals.    

The pint-sized attacker came into the match third on the all-time ranking behind Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo, needing a brace to tie the highest total in tournament history.

He did just that, scoring in the 36th and 76th minutes, via Sky Sports CL:

His first goal came late in the first half. Jasper Cillessen made the mistake of leaving his line too soon, and the advanced Marc Bartra beat him to the ball, lofting it into the box where Messi was waiting to head home.

His second came from a sliding finish after a ball in from Pedro, etching his name in the history books.

As shared by Goal India, history suggested the record would be equaled on Wednesday:

Ronaldo had the chance to equal the record himself on Tuesday but failed to score in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Liverpool, giving his eternal rival a chance to make history first.

The Portugal international will still be eyeing the record, and with both forwards in the prime of their careers, fans will get to witness the two titans go head-to-head as they attempt to better each other for the foreseeable future.  

Messi drew first blood on Wednesday, however, and he will forever be known as the first player to equal Raul's impressive record of 71 goals.

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