Lionel Messi aka La Pulga needs no introduction. The FC Barcelona star has left his mark on the football world. The Argentinian has won the Ballon d’Or five times, and hasn’t stopped impressing and breaking records.
While you might think you know all of Messi’s records, discover 7 which are less well-known.
1. World cup goals in 3 decades
So far, Messi has played in 4 world cups and has scored at least a goal in 3 of them. At 19, he scored his first goal in 2006. He scored 4 goals in 2014 when he was 27 years old. He set the record in 2018, when he scored at the age of 31.
He didn’t score any goals in South Africa 2010.
2. More free kicks than any club
Since 2015/2016, Messi has scored 24 direct free kicks. That is more than any club in the top 5 Leagues in Europe.
3. Most consecutive goals from outside the box
Messi achieved this feat in 2018. He scored from outside the box in 6 consecutive games. The teams he scored against were Las Palmas, Girona, Atletico Madrid, Bilbao, Leganes and Sevilla.
4. Most UCL Hat-tricks
Messi scored a record 8th UEFA Champions League hat-trick in 2018/2019 season. At the time, it was on more than Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has since equaled Messi’s record
5. Scored and assisted in every competition
In 2011/2012 season, FCBarcelona played in 6 different competitions. And Messi scored at least a goal and had an assist in every single one of those competitions. No player has every achieved this feat.
6. Most La Liga goals as a substitute in the 21st century
Last season, Messi scored off the bench against Leganes. This was his 22nd La Liga goal as a substitute. And that is more than any player in this century.
7. Golden Ball in every tournament
Leo Messi is no stranger to the Golden Ball. He has won it at every international tournament; 2005 Under 20 World Cup, 2008 Olympics, 2015 Copa America, 2014 World Cup. Although he has never won a major title with Argentina’s La Albiceleste, he’s always shown his brilliance.
Courtesy Oh My Goal