Lionel Messi continues to set new records and Sunday’s 2-0 extra-time victory over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final marked a 30th title for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Such a figure puts the 28-year-old one clear of Brazilian icon Pele, and with what should be several good years left ahead in his career, it is scary to think how many Messi may end up with.
The Rosario-born forward created both goals in extra-time to down Sevilla and claim a fourth Copa del Rey title, to go with his eight league titles, six Supercopas, four Champions Leagues, three European Supercopas and three Club World Cups with the Catalan club.
These 28 trophies combined with Messi’s Olympic gold medal and under-20 World Cup title with Argentina take his overall tally to 30.
Pele, often still referred to as the greatest player of all-time, claimed 29 titles and while most were restricted to South American football, the Brazilian crucially lifted three World Cups.
This latest triumph for Messi takes him clear of Pele and other greats such as Johan Cruyff and Maradona but major honours at international level still elude him.
Lionel Messi’s success has come almost exclusively in Barcelona colours but this summer the 28-year-old will lead La Albiceleste at the Copa America before perhaps a final shot at the World Cup in 2018.
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