In a historic moment for football, Lionel Messi has etched his name into the record books by becoming the player with the most goal contributions in the sport’s illustrious 152-year history. This milestone was achieved during the recent Argentina-Bolivia match, marking a significant achievement in the legacy of the game.
The Journey to 1,223 Goal Contributions
Messi’s remarkable career has seen him score an astounding 846 goals and provide 377 assists, totaling 1,223 goal contributions in official matches. This record surpasses all previous benchmarks, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and consistency on the field. According to FIFA, the first official football match took place in 1872 between Scotland and England, and since then, Messi has redefined what it means to be a prolific player.
A Record-Setting Performance Against Bolivia
In the recent match against Bolivia, Messi showcased his unparalleled skills by scoring three goals and providing two assists. This performance not only contributed to Argentina’s victory but also revived memories of a similar incident from 15 years ago. In 2009, Joaquín Botero, a Bolivian player, recorded a hat-trick and two assists against Argentina—a feat Messi accomplished in the same type of CONMEBOL qualifying match.
After the game, Messi reflected on his past experiences, stating that he did not view this match as a form of revenge for the earlier encounter. Instead, he emphasized his desire to enjoy these matches as he approaches the latter stages of his career. He expressed his appreciation for the crowd’s chants of his name, highlighting the emotional connection he shares with his fans.
Milestones and Shared Records
Messi’s hat-trick in the Bolivia match marked the 58th of his illustrious career and his 10th while wearing the Argentina national jersey. This achievement positions him at the pinnacle of national team hat-tricks, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who also has 10 hat-tricks for his country. The two footballing titans now share this record, showcasing the high level of competition between them over the years.
A Unique CONMEBOL Record
In addition to sharing the national team hat-trick record with Ronaldo, Messi has also set another remarkable record that stands solely to his name. He became the first player in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying history to score three hat-tricks. His first hat-trick in these qualifiers came against Ecuador in 2016, followed by another against Bolivia in 2021, and now his latest hat-trick against Bolivia in 2024.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s recent achievements not only underscore his individual brilliance but also contribute to the rich tapestry of football history. As he continues to break records and inspire fans around the world, Messi remains a symbol of excellence in the sport. With each game, he further cements his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and fans can only anticipate what more he will achieve in the years to come.
You Might Be Interested In:
