WATCH: 11 years ago today, Lionel Messi shattered record scoring HISTORIC 91st goal of the calendar year

Messi's record of 91 goals in a year will be difficult to achieve!

WATCH: 11 years ago today, Lionel Messi shattered record scoring HISTORIC 91st goal of the calendar year

Messi scored his 91st goal of 2012 against Real Valladolid. (Images via B/R Football)

Today marks the 11th year of an incredible accomplishment by Argentine sensation Lionel Messi. He netted his 91st goal of 2012 on December 22, 2012 against Real Valladolid creating history by setting the record for the highest number of goals scored in a single calendar year. Messi achieved this remarkable milestone during Barcelona‘s 3-1 victory over Valladolid.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup champ, often called the ‘Greatest Player of All Time,’ had an amazing time at FC Barcelona. He helped them snag 34 titles, including ten La Liga Titles, seven Copa Del Rey titles, and four Champions League titles. He scored a whopping 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona. Among his stellar seasons, 2012 shines as the peak of his career when he was 25.

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In his last game in 2012, Messi netted a spectacular goal assisted by Xavi in the 59th minute of the match, which elevated his tally to 79 goals in 60 appearances for Barcelona in the calendar year. Adding 12 goals in 9 appearances for Argentina in the same period, he eclipsed the previous record of 85 goals set by German legend Gerd Muller in 1972, also surpassing Brazilian legends Pele and Zico in the process. Notably, the then-Barcelona player boasted an outrageous average of scoring one goal for every 66 minutes he spent on the pitch.

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Messi’s contribution to the Catalan giants that season even helped them win the La Liga. However, the little boy from Rosario couldn’t help Barcelona in Europe as they were knocked out by Bayern Munich in the semi-final of the 2012-13 Champions League. Nevertheless, his goal against Real Valladolid has etched his name in the history books, probably for eternity!

Lionel Messi’s achievements and records at Barcelona

Lionel Messi who joined FC Barcelona at the tender age of 13, quickly rose to become a club legend and a key figure in the squad. Remaining with the Catalan side until his departure in 2021, he spent most of his entire professional career there, establishing numerous records.

Lionel Messi set innumerable records at Barcelona
Lionel Messi set innumerable records at Barcelona. (Image via The New York Times)

The Argentinean star won the most titles in the club’s 121-year history while achieving a unique feat as the only player to secure the Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player, Pichichi Trophy, and Golden Boot in a single season. During his time at the Spanish club, he claimed six Ballon d’Or awards.

Additionally, he holds the record for most international goals scored in a year, tallying 25 goals in 2012. He also boasts the longest scoring streak in the Spanish League, notching 33 goals across 21 consecutive matches. In conclusion, he holds the record for the highest number of appearances and goals for FC Barcelona.

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