Lionel Messi looking to cross another milestone
Barcelona swashbuckler Lionel Messi is looking to cross another milestone as his latest tally at Spartak Moscow put him just five goals away from Gerd Müller’s record of 85 goals in a single calendar year. Mueller set that record in 1972 playing for Germany and Bayern Munich.
Messi scored his 79th and 80th goals of 2012 in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory at Spartak Moscow on Tuesday. The success moved the top Spanish club to the knockout stage of the Champions League for 9th consecutive season.
Lionel Messi’s ninth brace of the season propelled his Champions League tally to 56 goals; he is now level in the 2nd place with Ruud Van Nisterooy in the all-time top-scorers’ list, straggling only Raul Gonzalez who made a record, scoring 71 Champion League goals in a season.
“Leo is breaking all the records, he’s spectacular, impressive; it’s a pleasure to have him with us,” Lionel Messi’s teammate Pedro praised 25-year-old’s recent performance.
In the current, Lionel Messi astonished the football fans, making UEFA Champions League antiquity by scoring five goals in one match. He is the 1st player to top-score in four consecutive Champions League campaigns. Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova also praised Lionel Messi in front of media reporters saying that
“Everyone talks about Leo, the goals and the records but it is more his awareness and tactics, the way he defends and attacks and helps the team in all areas.”
