Football: Messi equals Raul's 71 Champions League goals record

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi equalled Real Madrid legend Raul as the top goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League on 71 goals after scoring twice against Ajax on Wednesday.

The Argentine leapfrogged Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one behind on 70 Champions League goals, heading Barça in front in the Dutch capital before prodding home Pedro’s low cross to match Raul’s mark 15 minutes from time.

Messi achieved the feat in his 90th appearance in the competition, 50 matches less than Raul who reached the mark in his 140th Champions League match for Real.