Messi Makes History with 800th Career Goal in Barcelona RoutMessi Makes History with 800th Career Goal in Barcelona Rout In a match that will forever be etched in the annals of football history, Lionel Messi scored his 800th career goal in Barcelona’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Espanyol on Saturday. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a trademark finish from inside the area. He then added a second in the 35th minute, latching onto a through ball and calmly slotting past Diego Lopez in the Espanyol goal. Messi completed his hat-trick in the second half, curling a stunning free-kick into the top corner. Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele added goals of their own to complete the rout. With his 800th goal, Messi became the first player to reach this milestone in the illustrious history of the game. The achievement is a testament to his incredible longevity, consistency, and unparalleled goal-scoring prowess. “It’s a special moment for me,” said Messi after the match. “I’m very happy to have achieved this milestone and I’m grateful to all the teammates, coaches, and staff who have helped me along the way.” The victory was also significant for Barcelona as it moved them back to the top of the La Liga standings, level on points with arch-rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans will be hoping that Messi’s historic goal can inspire them to continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory this season. Messi’s 800th goal has sparked widespread praise and recognition from the world of football. Former players, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to celebrate his remarkable achievement. Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, congratulated the Argentine on his milestone. “Congratulations to Leo Messi on scoring his 800th goal. An incredible achievement, a true legend of the game,” he tweeted. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also lauded Messi’s achievement. “Messi’s 800th goal is incredible,” he said. “He’s a fantastic player and a great ambassador for our sport.” Messi’s 800th goal will undoubtedly go down as one of the defining moments in his illustrious career. It is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.