Leo Messi eyes 500th goal for Barcelona in Clásico week
The Argentine has netted 498 times for Barça. His 500th could come as the team aim to turn around their Champions League tie, or a few days later against Madrid at the Bernabéu</br><a title="Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruña live online: LaLiga" href="https://en.as.com/en/2017/12/17/football/1513504209_061523.html">Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruña: LaLiga</a>
He was the best Barça player at Juventus Stadium and resolved last night's testing meeting with Real Sociedad. Leo Messi, the best player in the world, is on the cusp of yet another historic feat for Barcelona: becoming the first player to score 500 goals for the Blaugranas in official competition. The Argentineans' tally stands at 498 - 400 of them, the work of that masterful left foot he possesses.
Messi could score his 500th goal for Barça in key week
His first goal for the club was against Albacete at Camp Nou on 1 May 2005. “I made the assist, that was the moment the legend started”, recalled Ronaldinho a few days ago. Messi has had opponents' nets billowing a further 497 times since then - goals in all shapes and sizes and several of them, authentic works of art.
The Barça No.10 hopes he can reach the magical figure in what will be a key week for the Catalans - on Wednesday, they will be attempting to overturn Juventus' three-goal advantage in the Champions League quarter final. Then, four days later, Barcelona are at the Bernabéu for El Clásico. Barça have fared quite well in Chamartín in recent seasons, although Messi's last goal at Madrid's stadium was back in the 2013-14 season when he scored a hat trick.
Breakdown of Messi's 498 goals for Barcelona
Liga: 341
Champions League: 94
Copa del Rey: 43
European Super Cup: 3
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Spanish Supercup: 12
Club World Cup: 5