Lionel Messi scores 500th career goal

Lionel Messi has scored his 500th career goal in all competitions by pulling one back for Barcelona against Valencia in their La Liga clash at Camp Nou this evening.

The Argentine had gone more than 500 minutes without registering a goal or assist for Barcelona before netting against Los Che - his longest such drought since becoming a regular starter for the club in 2008.

However, he ended that run in the 64th minute at Camp Nou to halve the deficit for the league leaders against Valencia.

The 28-year-old now has a club-record 450 goals for Barcelona and 50 for Argentina to take his senior tally in all competitions to 500.

Messi, who has scored 40 or more goals in each of the past eight seasons, has reached the milestone in 632 games and has also contributed more than 200 assists in that time.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won five Ballon d'Ors, seven league titles and four Champions League crowns during his glittering career.