Messi equals Ronaldo’s record of goals as debate on who the greatest footballer is continues

Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to a 5-1 win over Deportivo Alaves at the Camp Nou as the Argentine equaled Cristiano Ronaldo 573 goals in open play.

The Juventus striker might be the highest goalscorer in the history of football but Messi’s brace against the visiting side matched the Portuguese’s feat.

The 33-year-old produced a five-star performance and he was also instrumental when he came in as a substitute in Barca’s 3-2 win over Real Betis.

According to recent statistics, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is now at par with his fiercest rival in terms of goals scored from open play.

Ronaldo failed to find the back of the net when Juve lost 1-0 to Napoli in a Serie A clash played at the Estadio Diego Maradona stadium over the weekend.