Barcelona's ace Lionel Messi successfully cemented his place as the greatest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League by grabbing a hat-trick as Barcelona won 4-0 at APOEL on Tuesday.
Messi's three perfectly finished strikes saw him overtake Real Madrid legend, Raul Gonzalezn - with 71 goals. It also took him outplace long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 70.
Emilio Morenatti AP
APTOPIX Spain Champions League Soccer
Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring 1-0 during the Champions League group H soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and F.C. Barcelona on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Speaking about the record, the Argentine captain admitted that becoming the Champions League's all-time leading goalscorer is "a wonderful thing".
"Achieving this record in a competition like this is a wonderful thing," the four-time Ballon d'Or winner told reporters after the game.
The 27-year-old, who claims to believe in the collective, says he was more pleased to have helped Barcelona cruise past APOEL.
"But, beyond that, it was a very important game. We were able to get the three points and that's what really matters.
"We must continue as we are, meet the objectives of the beginning of the year and try to stay on this path."
Messi has 74 champions league goals in just 91 appearances.