LIONEL MESSI! Records in the UEFA Champions League You may not be Aware of
Here, we delve into 20 lesser-known records he holds in the UEFA Champions League, solidifying his place as a legend etched in the competition's history.
Individual Brilliance: Player of the Week and Awards Galore
Champion of the Week
Messi has been awarded "Champions League Player of the Week" a staggering 13 times. This award recognizes outstanding individual performances, highlighting Messi's consistent ability to single-handedly sway the course of a match.
Goal of the Season
Messi's artistry extends beyond mere goals. His strike against Atlético Madrid in the 2018-19 season was deemed the "Champions League Goal of the Season," showcasing his ability to create magic on the biggest stage. Interestingly, he has secured this distinction three times (2014-15, 2015-16, and 2018-19), underlining his penchant for scoring spectacular goals.
Assisting Grandeur
Messi isn't just a goal machine; he's a playmaker extraordinaire. He holds the record for most assists in a single Champions League season – twice! In 2011-12 and 2014-15, he orchestrated attacks with unmatched vision, setting up teammates for success.
Group Stage Dominator and Knockout King
Group Stage Maestro
The Champions League group stages often see teams ease into the competition. Not Messi. He holds the record for most goals scored in the group stages – a whopping 80! This translates to an average of nearly a goal per game, showcasing his relentless pursuit of scoring from the very beginning.
Round of 16 Ruthlessness
The knockout stages are where champions are truly made, and Messi thrives under pressure. He boasts the record for most goals scored in the Round of 16 – a staggering 29. Defenders dread facing him in this crucial stage, knowing his clinical finishing can single-handedly eliminate their teams.
Top Scorer and Squad Recognition
Golden Boot Bonanza
Messi has clinched the "Champions League Top Scorer" title an incredible six times. This speaks volumes about his consistency in finding the net throughout the entire competition, year after year.
Squad of the Season Stalwart
Individual brilliance is important, but so is teamwork. Messi has been included in the "Champions League Squad of the Season" a remarkable seven times. This recognition by his peers emphasizes his invaluable contribution to his team's success.
Club Legend and Record-Breaking Milestones
One-Club Wonder
While loyalty isn't as common in modern football, Messi's dedication to Barcelona is legendary. He holds the record for most goals scored for a single club in the Champions League – a phenomenal 120. This record signifies his unwavering commitment and exceptional performance throughout his tenure at Barcelona.
Reaching the Century Mark
Messi achieved the feat of scoring 100 Champions League goals in the fastest time ever – a mere 123 games. This rapid ascent to the century mark speaks volumes about his early dominance and prolificacy in the competition.
Record-Breaking Feats and Unmatched Accomplishments
Night to Remember
Messi etched his name in Champions League folklore with a historic five-goal performance against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012. This feat remains unmatched, showcasing his ability to single-handedly dismantle an opponent. He also holds the record for most goals scored in a Champions League quarter-final match, netting four against Arsenal in 2010.
Hat-Trick Hero
Messi isn't just a scorer; he's a master of the hat-trick. He holds the record for most hat-tricks scored in the Champions League – eight in total. This consistency in scoring multiple goals in a single match is a testament to his relentless attacking prowess.
Spreading the Wealth
Greatness isn't defined by just scoring against the same teams. Messi boasts the record for most different opponents scored against in Champions League history – a staggering 40. This highlights his adaptability and ability to find the net against any defense.
Knockout Round Dominance
The knockout stages are where Messi truly shines. He holds the record for most goals scored in a Champions League round
He extends his dominance further with the record for most goals scored in a Champions League round of 16 tie – a phenomenal six goals against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012. This two-legged encounter cemented his reputation as a knockout stage specialist.
Goal of the Season King
As mentioned earlier, Messi has a knack for scoring spectacular goals. His dominance is further emphasized by the fact that he holds the record for most "UEFA/UEFA.com Goal of the Season" awards – a staggering three, in the 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2018-19 seasons. These awards, chosen by fans, solidify his reputation for scoring not just frequently, but also with breathtaking skill.
Dribbling Maestro
Messi isn't just a clinical finisher; he's a magician with the ball at his feet. He holds the record for most dribbles completed in a single Champions League match – an impressive 16 against Manchester United in 2008. This showcases his ability to weave through defenses, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Young Achiever
Greatness often starts young, and Messi is a prime example. He holds the record for the youngest player to score 50 goals in the Champions League, achieving this feat at the tender age of 24 years and 285 days. He also holds the record for the youngest player to make 100 appearances in the Champions League, reaching the milestone at the age of 28 years and 84 days. These records highlight his early emergence as a world-class talent and his sustained excellence over the years.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi's achievements in the UEFA Champions League go far beyond the well-known Ballon d'Or awards and domestic goal-scoring records. The 20 records explored here paint a picture of a player who dominated every facet of the competition – from individual brilliance to team success, from group stages to knockout rounds. He is not just a legend of Barcelona or Argentina; he is a legend of the Champions League, forever etched in the history books as one of the greatest players to ever grace the competition.
