Lionel Messi can “break any record he sets his mind to”, according to Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino after the Argentina forward became the third highest goalscorer in La Liga history.
The 26-year-old’s double in Saturday’s 6-0 win over Rayo Vallecano moved him level with former Real Madrid striker Raul on 228 La Liga strikes.
“He’ll lose count [of the records he breaks],” Martino told the Barcelona website.
“Barca enjoy him and Argentina does.”
His 228 La Liga goals have come in just 263 games, taking him above ex-Real Madrid man Alfredo Di Stefano’s 227 goals in 359 games, and he now has Telmo Zarra (251) and Hugo Sanchez (234) in his sights.
On a global level he has already scored the most goals in a season, the most international goals in a season and the most goals in a calendar year.
He now needs only six more goals to overhaul Raul’s 71 to become the all-time record goal scorer in the Champions League.
And, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 trip to Manchester City, Martino believes Messi can still improve despite scoring five goals in his last three matches.
“I’d like to think that Messi still has a bit to go before he’s 100% fit,” said Martino.
“We’re on form coming into the match against City, this is the perfect moment to try to qualify for the quarter-finals. Most of the players are playing really well.”
