Lionel Messi has smashed the record for most goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues after he scored in PSG’s Ligue 1 clash with Strasbourg on Saturday.
Les Parisiens all but secured the French title thanks to Messi’s 496th league goal of his career, overtaking the number put up by Cristiano Ronaldo.
A lofty through ball from Danilo Pereira was taken in stride by Kylian Mbappe, who picked out the run of Messi and he fired past Matz Sels to take home his newest accolade.
The Argentine managed to equal Ronaldo’s record when he scored against title rivals Lens last month, but he’s had to wait a while to move in front of his Portuguese rival in part due to serving a club suspension for travelling to Saudi Arabia on a training day.
Messi was back to his best this weekend though and he ends it as a two-time champion of France and the greatest scorer this continent has seen.
|
Stat in Europe’s top five leagues |
Lionel Messi |
Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
|
Games |
575 |
626 |
|
Minutes |
47,039 |
51,069 |
|
Goals |
496 |
495 |
|
Assists |
247 |
151 |
When competing directly with Ronaldo for the record back in 2020, Messi stated: “I think less and less about scoring goals.
“Obviously I like scoring, and If have a chance I’ll take it, but every time I go on to the pitch I’m less focused on scoring goals and more focused on the game. I’ve never been obsessed with goals.”
Messi is likely to return to Barcelona this summer, though he does have a lucrative offer to reunite with Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
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