El exfutbolista brasileño Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé, on Saturday, expressed his admiration for Argentinian Lionel Messi after the Barcelona forward, with a goal against Valencia, tied his record for the player with the most goals in the same club: 643.
“Stories like ours, about love for the same club for so long, will unfortunately become rarer in football. I admire you so much, Messi”, confirmed ‘El Rey’ and three times world champion with Brazil in a message he published on his account Instagram along with a photo of the Argentinian celebrating one of his goals.
With his scoring against Valencia this Saturday, Messi added 643 goals as a Barcelona player, the same as Pelé scored with Brazilian Santos.
“When your heart is overflowing with love, it’s hard to change your way. Just like you I know what it’s like to wear the same shirt every day. Like you, I know there’s nothing better than where you sit at home. Congratulations on your historic track record, Lionel, but especially congratulations on your great career at Barcelona. “added the one considered by some to be the best footballer in the world.
Messi has scored 643 goals in the 748 games he has played for the Barça club since making his debut in 2004, 16 years ago.
Pelé scored the same amount in his 659 appearances playing for Santos, a club where he spent 17 years until 1971.
Among other brands, Messi has surpassed Telmo Zarra as the top scorer in the Spanish league, César as the top scorer for Barça and the German Gerd Müller as the top scorer in a calendar year.