Lionel Messi Carves Record at Barcelona, Pele Speaking Up

DBasia.news – One Lionel Messi goal was indeed not able to bring Barcelona to beat Valencia in the 2020-2021 LaLiga continuation. But that has seen him match the rare record of Brazilian legend Pele.

Playing at the Camp Nou on Saturday (19/12), Barcelona had to settle for sharing points with the guests. Valencia was able to force the match to end in a 2-2 draw.

Messi scored with a header in first-half injury time after his penalty missed. The action drew 1-1 after Mouctar Diakhaby gave the visitors the lead.

It was Messi’s 643th goal in a Barcelona shirt. This amount is the same as that scored by Pele with Santos as the record holder for top scorer of all time with one club.

Messi only needs one more goal to beat Pele’s record that has stood for nearly a century. This further demonstrates La Pulga’s reputation as one of the best in the world.

Although his record has not been completely broken, Pele did not hesitate to congratulate Messi. The man whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento also praised his loyalty to Barcelona.

“When your heart is filled with love, it’s hard to change paths. Like you, I know what it’s like to wear the same uniform every day,” Pele wrote on Instagram.

“Like you, I know that there is nothing better than a place where we feel at home. Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel, but most importantly, congratulations on your wonderful career in Barcelona.”

In the era of modern football, it is rare to find players who are loyal to just one club. This is also what makes Pele’s record difficult to break.

But Messi is the difference. He proved his loyalty with Barcelona even though the temptations from other big teams came and went.

“Stories like us, about loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be less and less in football. I really admire you, @leomessi,” he added.

Ironically, this season could be the last time Messi will wear a Barcelona shirt. The 33-year-old player has decided to leave as soon as his contract is completed in the summer of next year.