Pele hails Messi after Barca superstar equalled Brazilian's record of 643 goals

Pele has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Barcelona star equalled the Brazilian icon's record of 643 goals for a single club during the Catalans' 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday.

The Argentine, who sought to leave the club last summer in a very public spat, reached the mammoth total just before half time at the Camp Nou after he nodded home from close range.

Messi, 33, had missed from the spot just before but was in the right place to turn in Jordi Alba's inviting ball into the box to atone for his uncharacteristic error from 12 yards out.

And the goal is his 643rd for the LaLiga giants, the same total that Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, scored for Brazilian outfit Santos during his 18-year spell with the club.

The 80-year-old has taken to Instagram to congratulate the Argentina superstar, reflecting on the feeling of 'loving wearing the same shirt every day'.

'When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path,' he wrote.  'Like you, I know what it's like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home.

'Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at @fcbarcelona.

'Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be increasingly rare in football. I admire you a lot, @leomessi.'

It is fair to say that Messi's love for Barcelona may have waned over the past year, having endured a tumultuous row with the club in the summer.

The 33-year-old attempted to trigger a clause in his contract that would allow him to walk away for free, with Manchester City, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly eager to land the star.

However, Barcelona disputed the eligibility of the clause, and reticent to take the battle to a courtroom, Messi opted to stay at the club for the 2020-21 season under Ronald Koeman.

Messi's future remains uncertain, though, as his contract expires this summer. Barcelona's presidential elections take place early next year and it is hoped that the incumbent can help convince the club's greatest ever player to commit his future to the Catalans.