Messi Equals Raul's European Record

It is another landmark in the career of one of football's greatest ever players.

Another two goals in the colors of Barcelona took Lionel Messi to 71 in the European Champions League level with the all-time record holder Raul.

The Argentina striker grabbed both goals as the Spanish giants beat Ajax 2-0 in Amsterdam, and now needs just one more to go clear of the legendary Spain striker.

Messi is already Barca's all-time leading scorer and a four-time Ballon d'Or winner at the age of 27.

Not only did he move level with Raul in the Champions League scoring charts, he also edged one ahead of another stand out player of this generation Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Real Madrid striker failed to add to his tally in his side's 1-0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night, but the battle to beat Raul's record is still very much on.

Messi's first came from that rare source his head. His fine finish from Marc Bartra's cross was only the fourth header in that bumper haul of 71 goals.

And with 15 minutes left, Messi slid in to polish off a Pedro cross from the left to pull himself level with Raul. His brace also secured Barca's spot in the last 16 of the competition.