Lionel Messi is thought to be one of the best football players of all time, and his many achievements on the field have earned him the nickname “GOAT.” However, there has always been debate about whether Messi is truly the GOAT, with some fans arguing that other players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Diego Maradona or Pele are more deserving of this title. Messi’s performances and accomplishments in recent years have been so great that it’s getting harder and harder to argue against him being the GOAT as we listed below.
A Goal-Scoring Record
One of the main reasons that Messi is now considered the undisputed GOAT is his incredible goal-scoring record. Messi has played in 1002 games and scored an amazing 792 goals. This makes him one of the players with the most goals in the history of football. His goals have come at a rate of 0.79 per game, which is simply mind-boggling. To put this into perspective, the next highest scorer in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo, has scored a total of 819 goals in 1144 appearances, a rate of 0.71 goals per game.
Ronaldo is ahead of Messi as the Champions League’s record scorer. However, it’s very likely Ronaldo has finished his European Champions League career, as he’s joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Messi, though still lighting up European football, has time to eclipse the Portuguese star. 15 goals separate. PSG are among the favourites for the competition, according to champions league betting. So, in theory, he should still have at least a few games to score a couple of goals. However, staying in Europe for another season will be the only way he gets as close as possible to Ronaldo’s record.
His Consistency
Messi has not only scored a lot of goals, but he has also been very consistent throughout his career. He has scored over 50 goals in a single season nine times, and he has consistently ranked as one of the top goal-scorers in Europe. This level of consistency is very rare, and it shows how talented Messi is and how much he cares about his work. For those who like sports betting, betting on a goal by Messi during a match is a bet that has chances to pay off.
Individual Awards and Accomplishments
Another reason that Messi is now considered the undisputed GOAT is his incredible record of individual awards and accolades. Messi has won a huge number of individual awards over the course of his career. He has won seven Ballon d’Or, which is given to the best player in the world, six European Golden Shoes, which are given to the top scorer in Europe, and many other awards for his club and international performances.
Team Successes
Messi has won a lot of awards for himself, and he has also helped his teams win a lot of trophies. With Barcelona, he won ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles. In 2022, he added the ultimate prize to his collection by leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup and defeating France in the final. Messi’s ability to improve the play of those around him and his importance to the success of his teams are shown even more by these team wins.
His Career At FC Barcelona And PSG
Before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Messi spent his entire professional career at FC Barcelona. During his time at the club, he scored more goals than anyone else and helped the team win many national and international championships. His impact on the club cannot be overstated, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players that ever wore the Barcelona jersey.
Longevity
Finally, Messi’s longevity and durability are other factors that set him apart as the GOAT. Even though Messi is one of the players who gets fouled the most, he has avoided serious injuries and has been at the top of his game for more than a decade. Even though the sport is physically demanding, he is still able to play at a high level. This is one of the many reasons why he is considered the undisputed GOAT.
Final Verdict
While there will always be debate about who truly deserves the title, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue against Messi’s claim to be the GOAT. His performances and achievements speak for themselves, and it is clear that he is one of the greatest players ever.
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