Messi claims record fifth Golden Shoe award

1 min read
Messi 2

BARCELONA: Lionel Messi received his record fifth Golden Shoe award for leading all of Europe’s football leagues in scoring last season.

Messi’s fifth win breaks the tie he had with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi scored 34 goals in La Liga last season to lead Barcelona to the title. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the second leading scorer of Europe’s domestic leagues with 32 goals in the English Premier League.

Ronaldo, who has won the award four times, hit 26 goals in 52 matches for Real Madrid.

Messi also won the award in 2009-10 (34 goals), 2011-12 (50), 2012-13 (46) and 2016-17 (37).

The Argentina forward currently leads Europe’s top leagues with 14 goals this season.

“The truth is I had no idea this would happen when I started,” Messi said after being presented with his latest prize. “I dreamt of playing professional football and enjoying success, I love the game, but I never imagined I would have so much.

“I enjoy the work, the effort, I’m at the best team in the world and play with the best team-mates in the world, so everything is easier.”

The ceremony was attended by Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu, as well as fellow players like Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto.

Messi also discussed Monday’s Champions League draw, which pitted Barca against Olympique Lyonnais in the round-of-16.

“Lyon will be a complicated opponent,” Messi said. “Even if they are not known as one of the strongest teams, they are dangerous as they showed against Manchester City, one of the best teams in the world.

“It will be difficult to go through, but the opportunity is there for us. We have several Frenchmen in the team like Samuel Umtiti and Malcom, who played in France, so perhaps they can help as well.”

The 31-year-old Messi is Barca’s all-time leading scorer. The club credit him with 572 goals in 655 games.

The Golden Shoe is awarded by European Sports Media, an association of European sports newspapers and magazines.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Discover more from The Kashmir Monitor

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Don't Miss

ggg

Paradise calling: New survey says Kashmir most sought-after destination for solo traveling

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most sought-after destinations for
DSC04404 1

Another feather in Kashmir’s cap: International sports company appoints 21-year old mountain biker as brand ambassador

Srinagar: Scott sports, an international sports brand has appointed a 21- year