Lionel Messi continued his stunning record against English clubs with a starring role in Barcelona’s win over Tottenham at Wembley.
Here Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the numbers behind the extraordinary career of the Argentina star.
22 – Messi has scored 22 goals against English clubs in his career – more than against clubs from any other country outside of Spain. Arsenal have come off worst, with Messi scoring nine times against the Gunners, while he has also scored six against Manchester City.
Leo #Messi bags 3️⃣ vs PSV!🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/i7WjhQy3j7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 20, 2018
8 – Messi scored a record-breaking eighth Champions League hat-trick of his career in the 4-0 win over PSV last month. His feat lifted him clear of his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored seven.
⚽️Leo Messi's first senior goal? ⚽️
Against Albacete on 1 May 2005 (aged 17 years, 311 days). #UCL pic.twitter.com/m8BEfTFcxT
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 30, 2016
562 – Messi’s brace against Spurs took him to 562 at all levels for Barca, according to the player’s official website.
Messi has not lifted the Champions League trophy since 2015 (Sean Dempsey/PA)4 – Messi has won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. But recent dominance of the competition by rivals Real Madrid has seen him fail to get his hands on the famous trophy since 2015.
128 – Number of Argentina caps won by Messi, whose international career has not mirrored the success achieved with Barcelona. Olympic gold in 2008 notwithstanding, Messi is still yet to lead his country to a major title – and on the evidence of this summer’s World Cup, he may have some time to wait.
100,000,000 – The number of euros which reportedly make up Messi’s basic annual salary, having signed a new deal with Barcelona in January. If correct, the figures make Messi the world’s highest-paid footballer, and the first whose calendar earnings breach the nine-figure barrier.
