The Argentine now sits alongside O Rei with 643 goals for Barcelona, earning the Santos legend's admiration
Brazilian football legend Pele has congratulated Lionel Messi for matching his record for goalscoring at a single club, which has stood for almost half a century.
Messi netted his 643rd competitive goal in Barcelona colours on Saturday to level against Valencia at Camp Nou, after Mouctar Diakhaby had fired the visitors into an early lead.

That figure matches Pele's record with Santos in official competition during his time at Vila Belmiro, although the Brazilian scored many more in friendlies and tours that are not included on the record books.
The Argentine, who is by some distance Barca's all-time highest scorer, was unable to crown a memorable day with victory, as the Liga clash ultimately ended 2-2.

But despite now having to share his record, which will surely fall in the days or weeks to come, Pele expressed his admiration that another superstar has shown the same loyalty and dedication that he demonstrated over almost two decades representing Santos.