Leo Messi smashes Cesar's record on a hat trick against Granada

Leo Messi, at the helm of Barcelona, smashes Cesar's record to become Barcelona's all-time highest goal scorer. The match wasn't easy when Barcelona gave up a 2 nil lead and had to fight to get back into the match. Granada would however only be a brief obstacle on their way to a 5-3 victory.

Here's how the match went:

In minute 1, there was an early chance for Granada after a mistake from Dani Alves, the shot goes wide.

Minute 3: GGGGOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!! XAVI!! Xavi chips in a cheeky goal headed back to him by Leo Messi.

The pace would be kept high when Leo Messi takes a shot at goal in the 10th minute. Granada's keeper however scoops it up.

Minute 16: GGGGGOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!! MESSI!! Messi scores his 232nd goal to equal Cesar's record!! Beautiful pass by Isaac Cuenca and a deflection of Gomez for a great goal.

By minute 20, it was evident that Granada was having problems. Granada can't seem to break the deadlock passing shots to ghost players.

In minute 22, there was a lovely shot into the box by Dani Alves to find a fellow Barcelona player, however it was punched out by the Granada keeper.

By minute 24, Barcelona would still be pressing hard. Alexis Sanchez takes a shot at goal that goes just high. Granada players are giving Barca players plenty of room to play.

The pressure would continue, when in minute 27 Dani Alves takes a shot at goal. It goes just wide....Where is the Granada defence???

Adriano takes a shot at goal in the 45th minute, which is no trouble for the goal keeper.

No extra time added.

Second half begins, Masherano on for Adriano.

Barca would continue playing at high tempo and in minute 52, Cuenca would pass a shot to Messi, however Messi doesn't find the target.

Minute 54: GGGOOOAAALLL!!! Granada. Diego Mines scores for Granada.

Barca would not be deterred. In the 58th minute, free kick was given to Barca. Xavi takes it. Pique heads it in but its no trouble for the Granada keeper.

Minute 59: Dani Alves concedes a penalty for a foul in the box.

Minute 61: GGGGOOOOAAALL!!! Granada 2-2

Minute 67: GGGGGGOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!!! LEO MESSI!!! HALLELUJAH! Messi smashes Cesar's record. Messi, now top scorer for Barcelona at mere 24 years of age.

Barcelona in the 71st minute would make some changes. Cristian Tello and Andres Iniesta are on for Barcelona.

Minute 81: GGGGGGOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!! TELLO! Leo cuts back for a goal which the keeper saves, however, Tello scores off a rebound.

Minute 85: GGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!! MESSI!!!!! HAT TRICK!!!

Minute 87: Dani Alves concedes another penalty for a hand ball. On his 2nd yellow card he is sent off. Barca are down to 10 men.

Minute 89: GGGOOOAAALLLL! Granada!!

Three minutes of added time.

Barcelona wins 5-3 to Granada.

Match Highlights:

Leo Messi surpasses Cesar's record for top goal scorer for Barcelona, scoring his 234th for Barcelona.

Grenada's comeback frm a 2-0 deficit.

Dani Alves conceding two penalties to be sent off, leaving Barca down to 10 men

Match Facts:

Xavi's goal in the 3rd minute was the fastest goal of his whole career.

Granada is only 4th team against which Barca has conceded 2 penalties

Leo Messi on his 4th hat trick in recent weeks

Leo Messi, in this match, surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo, now holding 35 goals of the season.

This match puts Barca only 5 points behind Real Madrid for La Liga.

Hope you enjoyed!!

Ciao,

Lisa

Football Goddess, Sports Junkie, Barca Girl