Messi's Champions League century

Lionel Messi really couldn't be in a much better place right now as he prepares to face Roma in this season's Champions League opener, after having seen off Atlético Madrid just hours after having touched down from the US. Despite having been robbed of hours of sleep following the birth of his second son, 20 minutes were all that it took for the star to score the winner at the Calderón, which he dedicated to his newborn, Mateo.

After a few more days rest and some further training sessions under his belt, Messi will take to Roma's Stadio Olimpico ready to write another chapter in his illustrious career. Wednesday's game will mark his 100th in the Champions League, and we all know that for 'La Pulga', when there is something to be celebrated, the best way to do so is with goals.

Messi has a particular liking for the Champions League. Quite aside from the four times that he has won the tournament, he will always be synonymous with European football's elite club competition. Not only was he the first player to beat Raúl González's tally of 71 goals, to become the competition's all-time top goalscorer, but in addition, the Argentine maestro currently sits top of the goalscoring charts, on 77 goals.

As he reaches the landmark of 100 Champions League appearances, Messi will be keen to maintain the sort of performance levels which have seen him crowned as the Champions League's top scorer on five occasions and named as UEFA's Best Player in Europe twice.