Lionel Messi scores 496th goal, most ever in Europe top leagues

Lionel Messi scored PSG's lone goal on the road in MD37 of Ligue 1 in their game at Strasbourg and overtook Cristiano Ronaldo as the most prolific goalscorer in Europe's top five leagues.

Messi's incredible record-breaking 496th goal helped Paris Saint-Germain secure the French title on Saturday, the 11th in PSG history. It also arrived in his last game played away from the Parc des Princes this season, with PSG returning to Paris for the season finale next weekend.

At the age of 35, Messi found the back of the net just before the hour mark assisted by teammate and fellow world champion Kylian Mbappe.

This milestone goal pushed Messi (496 goals) ahead of his eternal rival Ronaldo, who currently (and most probably forever) sits in second place with 495.

This marks Messi's second league title in France in as many seasons, having also won it during his first year at PSG. However, it's likely to be his last, as the Argentine icon is set to bid farewell to Parc des Princes this summer when his two-year contract expires.

There have been rumors of a potential fairytale return to Barcelona for Messi, although more realistic alternatives go the way of arriving in Ronaldo's current league in Saudi Arabia, a move to the United States, or a home return to Argentina.

Barcelona remains hopeful of bringing Messi back, and club's president Joan Laporta confirmed that transfer talks have taken place with the former FCB player once the team won La Liga. "I've spoken with Leo. It was very nice," Laporta revealed. "We have refreshed our relationship. Messi wants Barca, he feels this club is his home."

Laporta also said that he "spoke with Messi recently," and that Barcelona "have a relationship with him." The president also claimed that "Messi is the best player in the world, and any coach would want him in his team."

Messi's imminent exit from PSG has made him somewhat unpopular with the fans, who have booed him during recent home matches. He will still have to endure the boos one more time next Saturday for the last game of the Ligue 1 campaign.