Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored his 700th career goal by converting a second-half Panenka penalty against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou in La Liga on Tuesday.

The Argentine hit the landmark goal for club and country by netting from the penalty spot to give his side a 2-1 lead in the 50th minute, showing some nerve by chipping the ball into the net to deceive goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Atletico hit back with spot-kicks of their own twice by Saul Niguez after Barca took an early lead through Diego Costa's own-goal. The match tied on 2-2. 

The result gives Real Madrid the chance to move four points clear at the top of the table if they can overcome Getafe at home on Wednesday, a formidable lead with five games left.

Messi had moved on to 699 goals after netting a penalty against Leganes two weeks ago but drew a blank in his last three matches against Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo before finally reaching the milestone against Atletico.

Messi, 33, is Barca's all-time leading scorer with 630 goals for the club where he has spent his entire career while he has netted a record 70 times for Argentina.

Joining the 700 club

According to data from Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation, Messi is now one of seven players to have reached the 700-goal milestone in their career.

Czech-Austrian Josef Bican is on the top of the list with 805 career goals, followed by Brazil legend Romario with 772 and compatriot Pele at third with 767.

Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas bagged 746 goals, while former Germany striker Gerd Muller is ranked fifth with 735 goals.

Sixth on the list is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo with 726 goals. Ronaldo hit the mark representing Portugal in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Ukraine in October last year. 

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) in action during LaLiga match against Atletico de Madrid at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, June 30, 2020. /VCG)