Cricket Exchange reports that Lionel Messi is setting his sights on breaking two major UEFA Champions League records. The Argentine legend aims to become the first player in history to score 100 Champions League goals while representing only one club. At present, he trails Cristiano Ronaldo by just three goals in total UCL goals scored—a gap that has significantly narrowed this season.
At the start of the season, Ronaldo had tallied 93 Champions League goals, a full 10 ahead of Messi’s 83. But after five group stage rounds, Messi has clawed back most of the deficit, putting Ronaldo’s status as the all-time top scorer under serious threat. So far this campaign, Ronaldo has only netted twice in the tournament, remaining at 95 goals. That means the race to be the first to reach the century mark is heating up—and fans are watching closely via Cricket Exchange.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique confirmed in a Monday press conference that Messi would start against Borussia Mönchengladbach. While Barça has already clinched the top spot in their group, resting Messi would seem logical. However, those familiar with his mindset know that Messi rarely embraces squad rotation. He prefers to be on the pitch for all 90 minutes, regardless of the stakes. Especially now, with the chance to rewrite history, sitting out simply isn’t an option.
In this upcoming match, Messi has a real shot at matching—or even surpassing—Cristiano Ronaldo’s group stage scoring record. Ronaldo set the benchmark with 11 goals in last year’s group stage. Messi currently has 9, achieved in just four games, having missed one group fixture against Mönchengladbach due to injury. A hat trick would not only eclipse Ronaldo’s group stage tally but also add fuel to the never-ending debate between the two icons.
So far this season, Messi has netted 19 goals across all competitions. He leads the Champions League scoring chart with 9 goals, and in La Liga, he has 9 as well—just one behind Ronaldo. He also scored once in the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla. His consistent output underlines his unmatched hunger and ability to perform on every stage.
According to Cricket Exchange, Messi is now the only player in football history to score 100 international club goals while representing just one team. His record includes 92 goals in the Champions League, 3 in the UEFA Super Cup, and 5 in the FIFA Club World Cup. If he keeps up this pace, he may not just catch Ronaldo—he could redefine the record books entirely. With the football world watching and history within reach, Messi is proving once again why he’s in a league of his own.