Lionel Messi has added to his ridiculous record collection with two Champions League achievements, including one in which he surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored in PSG’s 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa in Europe tonight (September 14), bringing the French team level after falling behind in the first half.
In the process, his goal shattered two records: the first was the most teams scored against in the Champions League. Messi has now scored against 39 different clubs, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous high of 38.
He has also became the first player to score a Champions League goal in each of the 18 seasons since 2005/06, drawing level with Karim Benzema on 17 – though the Real Madrid striker could catch up this year.
Messi’s goal drew him within 14 goals of Ronaldo’s unrivalled tally of 140 in Europe’s elite league. Of course, the Manchester United player will be unable to extend his all-time record this season.
Last season, Ronaldo and his teammates qualified for just Europa League football, and he was unable to clinch a move to a Champions League club this summer, as he had hoped.
This has given Messi the chance to close the gap, which he has now started to accomplish.
He did, however, turn provider for PSG’s second goal of the night, setting up Kylian Mbappe as PSG turned the game around against their Israeli opponents.
Neymar then added a late third to give Christophe Galtier’s team two wins from two in the group round.
Mascots hug Messi
On Wednesday night, as Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa hosted French giants Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League Group H match, something happened before the match could start.
Before the kick-off, the club’s young supporters seemed to have shown all their love for the visiting side, or more specifically for one player of the visiting side – Lionel Messi.
As the two teams lined up before the start, the Champions League mascots – children who accompany players while walking out on the pitch – looked in awe of the Argentina superstar; jaw-dropped, blowing kisses and hugging him.
Messi, conscious of his impact on the fans, reciprocated the affection showered on him and put on a show for the spectators!
Watch the video here!
