Lionel Messi reaches 700th club career goal in more than 140 fewer matches than Cristiano Ronaldo, as stewards use riot shields to protect celebrating Paris Saint-Germain players

Lionel Messi achieved yet another stunning career landmark, netting his 700th club career goal during Paris Saint-Germain’s win at Marseille.

PSG outplayed their opponents at the Stade Velodrome as they coasted to a 3-0 win in the latest instalment of Le Classique.

AFP

AFP

Kylian Mbappe set the French champions on their way on 25 minutes, finishing off a rapid counter-attack by drilling the ball past Pau Lopez after receiving an inch-perfect pass from Messi.

And just four minutes later Messi’s landmark strike came. Mbappe was the provider on this occasion as his menacing cross was met by the Argentina icon, who tapped the ball home from inside the six yard box.

Messi ran over to Mbappe with a number of their PSG teammates joining them, however, the celebrations were somewhat overshadowed by the measures stewards in the ground were required to take.

The group of stewards were seen making their way onto the pitch with riot shields to protect Messi and his PSG teammates from missiles being thrown at them by Marseille fans.

Fortunately none of the objects thrown in their direction hit the players, however, footage from the ground shows the presence of the stewards was necessary.

Mbappe sealed the 3-0 win ten minutes into the second half, the French superstar combining brilliantly with Messi before volleying home with his left foot.

Getty

AFP

The result sees PSG extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points, while Messi adds another phenomenal achievement to his already stacked collection.

Messi is still behind Cristiano Ronaldo for club goals, the Al Nassr star has 709 to his name.

However, Messi reached the landmark at a substantially quicker rate than Ronaldo. Messi took 840 matches to reach 700 club goals, while Ronaldo needed 943 matches to reach the milestone.

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