How to conquer 61 years of history in just 13

Lionel Messi's adventures in football sometimes have the makings of a series of deeds glorified by medieval troubadors, famed for exaggerating legends of brave heroes. But there is no cheating or embellishing involved. There may be some magic into it, but nobody has yet managed to reveal how the trick is done.

The Argentine has been directly implicated in 10.2 per cent of goals scored by Barcelona in the entire history of the club at the Camp Nou. We are used to seeing him rewrite the record books, but this particular achievement must not be underestimated.

In 1,537 official appearances at the Camp Nou, Messi has scored 308 of the 4,000 goals scored by the hosts since the stadium was inaugurated, while he has also contributed in providing 102 assists for his team-mates.

The Camp Nou faithful got their first chance to cheer a goal from the Argentine on May 1, 2005. Ronaldinho served it on a plate for Messi to take up the baton as the leader at Barcelona with a subtle touch to lift it over the goalkeeper.

Since then, the home crowd have grown accustomed to his stellar performances. It is beyond question that Messi, with his numbers and phenomenal displays, conquered the Camp Nou some time ago. Who knows where he will stop.