New Delhi: Lionel Messi has made a great start to the 2022-23 campaign, with two more Champions League records being added to his collection.
The 35-year-old re-wrote the history books once again in his latest European match for Paris Saint-Germain against Maccabi Haifa. One of those saw him pull clear of arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo on the goal front, while the other has seen him edge ahead of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Messi opened the scoring for PSG against Maccabi on Thursday, with the Israeli team becoming the 39th different team that he has scored against on a Champions League stage. The Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, who has missed out on the competition this season with Manchester United, has scored against 38.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the first player to hit the net in 18 different Champions League seasons when breaking the deadlock in midweek, with French forward Benzema his closest challenger. The French striker will match Messi’s record when he opens his European account for 2022-23.
UEFA Champions League have tweeted, “The only player in history to score in 18 consecutive #UCL seasons. Messi,” and “RECORD: Messi has now scored against 39 different teams in this competition,” on their official Twitter handle.
The only player in history to score in 18 consecutive #UCL seasons. Messi pic.twitter.com/xKiaucnfG1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 14, 2022
The South American, who is counting down the days for World Cup glory in 2022, now has four goals and seven assists to his name this season.
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