Published By: Sayan Guha

On This Day (Dec. 22): When Messi Dethroned Pele by Breaking THIS World Record

Credit: Forbes

The Barcelona maestro rewrote history, leaving an indelible mark on football

December 22, 2020, was more than just another chilly winter evening; it was an important night for football lovers. Lionel Messi came onto the pitch against Valladolid, wearing his legendary Barcelona number 10 shirt, and did what he had done for the previous 17 years: he left fans in awe. Messi scored his 644th goal for FC Barcelona with a stunning strike in the second half, breaking Pelé's long-standing Santos record of 643.

This wasn't simply another addition to Messi's ever-growing score. It was a moment that brought together the old and the modern, uniting football's illustrious past with its sparkling present.

The king and the prince

Pelé's achievement for the highest number of goals scored for one club has seemed unbreakable for many years. The Brazilian icon referred to as O Rei (The King) set a benchmark that many thought would remain unattainable. Between 1956 and 1974, Pelé netted 643 goals for Santos, showcasing his brilliance and commitment.

But Messi, frequently considered the heir to Pelé and Maradona, had other ideas. The Argentine wizard has gradually forged his way since his first goal against Albacete in 2005. Every dribble, assist, and strike moved him closer to rewriting history. Messi's record-breaking goal seemed more like a coronation than a surprise.

The magical 644th

The goal itself was classic Messi. Pedri executed a brilliant flip, a touch to position himself up, and a precision finish into the corner. The beauty of the goal was not just in its performance but also in what it represented—years of hard work, commitment, and an almost psychic connection with the Barcelona fans.

Messi later expressed his astonishment and gratitude, stating that surpassing Pelé's record exceeded his most imaginative expectations. He devoted this accomplishment to his teammates, family, friends, and the countless fans who have supported him throughout his career.

Records, records everywhere

Messi's journey to scoring 644 goals was marked by defining moments that shaped an era. His goals resembled masterpieces, from the spectacular chip against Arsenal to his mesmerising solo effort against Getafe. The pinnacle of his career arrived during the 2011-12 season under Pep Guardiola, where he netted an astonishing 73 goals in all competitions.

Apart from the records, Messi brought joy, sorrow, and everything in between to football enthusiasts around the globe. His ability to excel in decisive moments, whether during El Clásicos or Champions League knockout stages, sets him apart from others.

Life after Barcelona

Messi wrapped up his Barcelona tenure with an impressive 672 goals, 269 assists, and countless memories across 778 matches. However, his story continued beyond that point.

At PSG, he scored 32 goals and assisted 34 times in 75 games, displaying his ability to shine even when not at home. Then came his transfer to Inter Miami, where Messi revolutionised Major League Soccer. In just 39 matches, he has 34 goals and 18 assists, averaging one goal every 89 minutes so far—a tribute to his timeless brilliance.

The legacy lives on

While Pelé will always be a part of football history, Messi's feat on December 22, 2020, represented a watershed moment. Messi's path has inspired people from Rosario to Camp Nou, Paris to Miami.

As the dust settles on his Barcelona legacy, his magic lives on, reminding us that in football, as in life, some records are intended to be broken—and other legends, like Messi, are destined to be remembered forever.