In a week that marked the 10th anniversary of his competitive debut for Barcelona, Lionel Messi could become the all-time top scorer in the history of La Liga.

The Argentine made his bow as a 17-year-old in a 1-0 win at city rival Espanyol on Oct 16, 2004. Now he is preparing to face Eibar at the Camp Nou on Saturday needing just two goals to equal Telmo Zarra's all-time Spanish top-flight record of 251, set in the 1950s.

Messi, who told fans he was "constantly trying to improve and win more titles", has been back at his best in the early weeks of this season and has helped the Catalans to the top of La Liga with six wins and a draw in their opening seven games.