Lionel Messi breaks Gerd Muller goalscoring record

Lionel Messi has become the highest-scoring player in the history of Europe's top five leagues courtesy of his strike in the 4-2 win over Real Sociedad this evening.

Messi capped off Barcelona's scoring with a stunning long-range free kick as they won at the Anoeta for the first time in a decade, climbing nine points clear at the top of La Liga and 19 above bitter rivals Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old has now scored 366 La Liga goals throughout his career, surpassing Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller's tally of 365 in the Bundesliga.

Messi last month broke Muller's record of 525 goals for a single club, which had stood since 1979, and he has now eclipsed another significant landmark from one of the game's greatest ever goalscorers.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has now scored 530 goals in 611 appearances for Barcelona.