Messi equals Raul’s record in Barca win

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (L) attempts to score past Ajax's Niklas Moisander (R) during their Champions League Group F soccer match against Ajax at Amsterdam Arena stadium in Amsterdam November 5, 2014. Photo: Reuters

Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel Messi now holds the record of highest number of goals in the Champions League beside Raúl González.

Messi scored in the 36th minute with a soft header to equalize the record after Ajax failed to clear a free kick.

His 71st goal in the competition came after he linked with substitute Pedro in the 76th minute as Barcelona qualified for the last 16.

Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Porto join Barca in the next round.

Messi has now surpassed Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 70, in the list of Champions League top scorers. 

"Messi is without doubt the best player I've seen as a player and a coach," said Barca manager Luis Enrique.

While it took Raul 142 Champions League outings to score his 71 goals, Messi's appearance against Ajax was his 90th in the competition.

Ronaldo, who started and ended Real's 1-0 win against Liverpool on Tuesday on 70 goals, has featured in the tournament 107 times.