Following the just concluded world cup expedition, Lionel Messi might have genuinely elevated his status further and earned a spot amongst the late Pele and Diego Maradona as the World’s greatest-ever footballer. The Argentine magician has led a consistent and glittering career winning every trophy and individual accolade on offer whilst breaking every other record that stands his way.
Perhaps the most bewildering and near-impossible to achieve height in Messi’s career is something that is not even officially recognized by FIFA.
The year 2012 was when Leo reached the pinnacle of his career. It was the best version of Lionel Messi and it is only right to think there has never been a better version of any player at any point in the history of professional football. From a goal-scoring perspective, the 7 times Balon d’Or winner scored an unbelievable 91 goals across the whole year.
This is the most goals a footballer has ever managed to score in a calendar year. To add a cherry on the cake, The former Barcelona superstar earned the feat after breaking a 40-year-old record set by the legendary Gerd Muller, ‘Der Bomber’ himself, arguably the finest penalty area goal scorer to ever set foot on a football pitch.
— Celebvibestar (@Vibextaz) January 28, 2023
Gerd Muller is Germany’s second and Bayern’s all-time goal scorer with 68 and 523 goals for the country and club respectively. Only Miroslav Klose scored more goals for the German national team. Messi dethroned Muller’s long-standing record after scoring 91 goals in 69 appearances whilst also assisting a further 22 goals. 52.8 minutes per goal contribution, 65.6 minutes per goal ratio, and 1.32 goals per game (Per givemesport.com). A record that, indeed, only appear realistic on paper.
Shortly after smashing the record, Messi sent the Former Bayern Munich striker his signed match-worn shirt with a message that read: “For Gerd Muller, with my respect and admiration. A hug.” The letter was accompanied by a touching letter from the then Barça president Sandro Rosell appreciating the two legendary footballers.
The 76-year-old then gifted the shirt to Bayern Munich who decided to enshrine the shirt in a special section of their archive. This remains to be the only piece of Non-Bayern item in their club’s memorabilia.
FIFA however refused to acknowledge Messi’s record insisting that there is no record of all matches and goals scored in all domestic leagues across the world available to the public. Before Messi and Muller, the legendary Pele managed a return of 75 goals in 1958 while only 17 years old! Other Selecao legends Romario and Zico complete the top 5 list.
— Celebvibestar (@Vibextaz) January 28, 2023
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