It is fair to say that Lionel Messi is one of the greatest football players. Even though he is past his prime age, he is still one of the best footballers in the current generation of football stars. Messi’s scintillating abilities on the pitch, stats, and accomplishment better those set by some of the greatest players.
Having come from Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, this superstar has grown into shoes that could be impossible for any future successor to fill. As Messi approaches his spectacular career’s twilight years, all football fans can do is hope that his career ends on a high.
What will Lionel Messi be remembered for? Here are some of his achievements on the pitch that have been undoubtedly eye-catching.
Most Goals in a Calendar Year
Messi has achieved some of the stellar feats in football. Having 92 goals for a club and country in a calendar year marked, he set a new high for the most number of goals scored in a calendar year, breaking Gerd Muller’s 40-year record of 85 goals.
Entered the 700-Goal Club
Only a few players have been able to score more than 700 goals in their careers. Romario, Pele, Ferenc Puskas, Gerd Muller, Josef Bican, and Cristiano Ronaldo are some of the big names in football history that belong to the 700-goal club. Having entered the 700-goal club in 2020, at a relatively ‘young’ age, the sky’s the limit for Messi.
Most La Liga Assists in One Season
The Spanish La Liga has had a fair share of creative players, but none has offered as many assists as Messi. In the 2019/20 season, Messi showed his prowess when he provided 21 assists, beating his former teammate Xavi Hernandez’s record of 20 assists.
Messi’s contribution to football will be etched in history. While arguments on whether he is the best player to play the game end in statements, it is fair to say that Messi is in a League of his own.