Lionel Messi breaks another record and Luis Suarez opens Barça account in APOEL win

On Saturday la Liga, on Tuesday the Champions League. Lionel Messi may still be just 27, but he is waiting for nobody. 

His first goal against APOEL Nicosia was his 72nd in Europe's elite competition and took him one clear of Real Madrid legend Raul, who he had been sharing the record with since he scored against Ajax earlier this month.

All this, of course, after he trumped Telmo Zarra at the weekend as the top scorer in the history of Spain's top flight. Now he's the top scorer in the history of the Champions League as well. 

For good measure he added a second and a third after the break, taking him onto 74, comfortably clear of Raul but with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 70, still in tow.

Messi's record-breaking antics overshadowed what had been a good night for Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan had opened the scoring in Cyprus - almost 400 minutes after he'd made his debut against Real Madrid. 

The 4-0 win, though, means little and Luis Enrique's side will still need to beat PSG, who were victorious against Ajax, when they meet the French side next month if they want to progress as group winners. 

There may have been five changes, but Barça began the game as they finished their last against Sevilla. Marc Bartra at the back, Javier Mascherano in midfield and Pedro in attack were among the new faces, but it was the regulars pulling the strings. 

Suarez tested Urko Pardo early on, firing straight at the keeper after Messi had set him up. 

And the Argentine, playing from the right, would continue to create. His perfect pass should have led to Jordi Alba opening the scoring, but the full-back fluffed his lines at the vital moment.

The goal wasn't far way, though, and as first goals for your new club go, this one was pretty good. Suarez spun his marker, raced into the area, opened his body and caressed the ball around Pardo. Relief. 

Messi's goal soon followed - although it wasn't as aesthetically pleasing. After passing to Rafinha, he was then in the right place to poke a foot out and deflect the Brazian's shot into the net. 

Pedro should have made it three just after the break; Messi did make it three 10 minutes later. Dani Alves' pass was brilliant, Messi's touch and clipped finish were fantastic and Barça were home and dry. 

Suarez could have had another and Messi could have had a hat-trick before he did complete his hat-trick late on, tapping home from close range after Pedro pulled the ball back.

Rafinha's second yellow card for a late challenge soured proceedings, though, and he'll be suspended for the top spot shootout against PSG. Alves, who was booked in the first half, will also have to sit it out.