16 years after Messi's debut with Barcelona (August 2020) 1:24
(CNN) -
Lionel Messi has become the first player to score in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons after scoring in Barcelona's 5-1 win over Hungarian Ferencvaros on Tuesday.
The Argentine scored a penalty in the first half for the Catalan club at the Camp Nou.
It was his 116th career goal at the tournament.
Only Manchester United's great Ryan Giggs has scored in 16 Champions League seasons, but the Welshman's streak was not in consecutive years.
Messi's latest record-breaking achievement comes after new manager Ronald Koeman said his performances "could be better" this season.
The club captain responded in style.
The 33-year-old cleverly dispatched his shot after being fouled at the end of a trademark career and looked like a potent threat throughout the night.
Ansu Fati celebrates with Lionel Messi after a goal against Ferencvarosi.
Young people impress
Barcelona fans were also given hope for the future after two teenagers got on the scoreboard.
advertising
The impressive 17-year-old Ansu Fati became the first player under 18 to score two Champions League goals after scoring Barcelona's second.
Philippe Coutinho then added a third before Pedri, 17, scored his first goal for the club.
The Spaniard arrived at the Nou Camp from Las Palmas this season.
And he has impressed during his handful of games with the club.
A late goal from Ousmane Dembele capped off a successful night for Barcelona who have struggled for consistency this season.
Koeman's team lost to Getafe at the weekend in their first La Liga loss of the season.
But the new manager will be buoyed by Tuesday's display, especially given the encouraging signs from the new generation of stars.
LEE:
Can Bayern Munich defend their Champions League title?
The only downside of the night came when Gerard Piqué was sent off for giving away a penalty in the second half.
This means that the defender will be suspended for Barça's next European tie.
Igor Kharatin converted the penalty to temporarily put the score at 3-1.
Barça will undergo further testing in the remaining Group G matches with a delightful draw against Serie A giants Juventus.
It's a match that will hopefully see Messi take on fierce rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who is isolated after testing positive for covid-19.
Lionel messi
