Lionel Messi sets all-time Barcelona scoring record

Lionel Messi is the greatest goalscorer in Barcelona history. Football fans everywhere probably knew that already, but now it's official.

In his 452nd match (friendlies included) for the Blaugrana on Sunday against Osasuna, the Argentinian superstar scored three times to push his career total to his 371, surpassing Paulino Alcantara - who had held the record since 1927.

It was his second tally of the game that broke the longstanding mark. 

Here was the goal that put the diminutive attacker alone in top spot:

It may feel as though Messi has been around forever, but at only 26 years of age, all signs point to his record-total growing by a substantial margin. Barring significant injury, it is not unreasonable to suggest that Messi's scoring record will be so impressive come the end of his career that it will never be broken.

Sidenote: Please don't ever retire, Leo.

The list of records already held by the four-time Ballon d'Or winner is truly astounding. We all enjoy to discuss the game - and everyone in it - in a sarcastic manner, but this sampling is legitimately something to marvel at.

Club records

• Most goals La Liga (232).
• Most goals in the Spanish Super Cup (10).
• Most goals in the Champions League (67).
• Most goals in the Club World Cup (4).

La Liga records

• Most goals in a single season, accomplished in 2011-12 (50).
• Most home goals scored in a single season (35).
• Most away goals scored in a single season (24).
• Most hat-tricks in a single season (8).
• Most career league hat-tricks (17).
• Consecutive matches with a goal - which he accomplished in 2012-13 (33).

All-time records

• Most goals scored in a calendar year, accomplished in 2012 (91).

Next on the list? The all-time scoring record in La Liga. Messi, who sits on 233 following today's hat-trick, is chasing down the 251 goals of Athletic Bilbao legend Telmo Zarra.

It's only a matter of time.

[Stats courtesy of SB Nation]