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11 Outstanding Records Held By Lionel Messi

Barcelona confirmed that Argentine star Lionel Messi will be leaving the club following a breakdown in contract talks on Thursday, bringing to an end a 20-year-old stay which saw him shattering many records and winning several laurels.

By Emmanuel Egobiambu

Updated August 6, 2021

messi- — File photo: Ex-Barcelona forward Lionel Messi looks downwards during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on July 16, 2020. LLUIS GENE / AFP

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on March 10, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed that Argentine star Lionel Messi will be leaving the club following a breakdown in contract talks, ending a 20-year stay which saw him shattering many records and winning several laurels.

Messi had been in long-drawn contract talks with the La Liga team with reports earlier suggesting he had sealed a five-year deal with them.

Although the player rarely made comments about the situation, Barcelona’s recent announcement is set to send world football into a frenzy as a host of clubs begin a battle to lure Messi – regarded as one of the greatest players of all times – to their side.

READ ALSO: Messi Ends Trophy Drought As Argentina Beat Brazil To Win Copa America

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after being presented a red card during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on January 17, 2021. CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP

Messi’s Major Records

Here are eleven records held by the Barcelona legend:

1. Record Ballons d’Or wins (6 to date)

2. Top goalscorer in Spanish League history (474 to date)

3. Most goals scored for one Spanish League club (474 for Barcelona)

4. Top overall goalscorer in Barcelona’s history (672)

5. Top scorer in history for one club (672 for Barcelona)

6. Top scorer in Spanish ‘clasicos’ between Barcelona and Real Madrid (26)

7. Most appearances for Barcelona (778)

8. Most goals scored in a top class league season (50 in 2011-2012)

9. Top scorer in Argentina’s history 76 (2006 to date)

10. Record goals scored in a calendar year (91 in 2012)

11. Record goals scored for a club in a season in all competitions (73 in 2011-2012)

(NB: The last two records have not been officialised by FIFA)