Barcelona's Lionel Messi joined former Manchester United frontman Ruud van Nistelrooy on 56 Champions League goals this evening.

The Argentine achieved the feat with a brace before the break in his side's encounter away at Spartak Moscow.

The current leader is former Real Madrid frontman Raul with 71 goals to his name.

Messi's 56-goal haul has come from 72 outings in Europe's elite competition.

He made his Champions League debut for Barca in 2005.