The prolific Barcelona forward surpassed Real Madrid legend Raul's tally of 71 goals by scoring his second hat-trick in as many games on Tuesday.
Messi took centre stage after Luis Suarez netted his first Barca goal as the Catalan giants coasted to a 4-0 Group F victory in Nicosia.
The mercurial Messi became the top scorer in La Liga history with a treble in a 5-1 hammering of Sevilla on Saturday and the Argentina talisman revelled in his latest milestone.
"Achieving this record in a competition like this is a wonderful thing. But, beyond that it was a very important game," said Messi, who now has 74 Champions League goals.
Luis Enrique's side face French champions Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou next month knowing a win would ensure they finish top of the group and Messi is determined to achieve that goal.
He added: "It will be a tough game against PSG.
"They have very good players and they're growing.
"We'll try to win the group."
Latest Stories
-
After Free SHS, what next? – Alan quizzes and pledges review to empower graduates
7 mins -
Wontumi FM’s Oheneba Asiedu granted bail
17 mins -
Alan promises to amend the Constitution to limit presidential powers
39 mins -
Ghana to face liquidity pressures in 2025, 2026 despite restructuring most of its debt – Fitch
42 mins -
NPP’s record of delivering on promises is unmatched – Bawumia
43 mins -
Mahama: It’s time to dismiss the incompetent NPP government
45 mins -
Today’s front pages: Monday, November 25, 2024
59 mins -
T-bill auction: Government misses target again; interest rates continue to rise
1 hour -
We have a bad technical team; Otto Addo and his team should go – Ernest Thompson
2 hours -
Hindsight: Why Accra Lions’ present problems do not define them
3 hours -
10-year-old Lisa Laryea arrives at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital in South Africa for bone marrow transplant
3 hours -
23 ambassadors inducted to take on 2025 GSTEP Challenge in three regions
4 hours -
Ghana Shea Workers Union inaugurated
4 hours -
Microsoft 365 under attack – how to bulletproof your business against cyber threats
4 hours -
I trust Bawumia; he has never lied to me – Akufo-Addo
4 hours