Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick against Real Betis (Picture: Getty)

Lionel Messi etched his name further into Barcelona folklore after Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Real Betis.

The Argentine, already the club’s record goalscorer, registered his 477th victory in all competitions since making his debut 15 years ago and added a hat-trick for good measure.

Messi has now moved past club legend Xavi as the player with the most games won for Barcelona and now has his eye firmly set on the Spanish World Cup winner’s appearance record.

Xavi represented Barcelona on 767 occasions over the course of a glittering 17-year career and Messi could conceivably surpass that landmark next season, having drawn level with Andres Iniesta on 674 games after he completed 90 minutes at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday.




Just Lionel Messi finding ⬆️🗑️ yet again pic.twitter.com/zCQIvGYDZf — Metro Sport (@Metro_Sport) March 17, 2019

Xavi made a club-record 767 appearances for Barcelona (Picture: Getty)

| GOAL! | MESSI HAS HIS HAT-TRICK 👽 That finish is ridiculous, superlatives will never do this man justice. pic.twitter.com/oiuUTuESf5 — Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) March 17, 2019

Messi ensured it was a night to remember on a personal level, scoring two first-half goals to put his side well on their way.

A sublime free-kick nestled in the top corner before he latched onto a cheeky backheel from former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to put the Catalan giants in complete control.

Suarez got on the scoresheet in the second half before Betis substitute Loren Moron snatched a consolation but there was one more moment of Messi magic left.

An exquisite chip that went in off the underside of the bar left goalkeeper Pau Lopez stranded and Messi once again etched his place deeper in Barcelona history in style with his 590th goal.