Messi Close To Ronaldo’s Champions League Goals Record
Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi is set to be on par with Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 11 goals in a UEFA Champions League group stage.
Messi who already has nine goals needs two more goals against Mönchengladbach on December 6 to equal Ronaldo’s record.
Having made just four appearances in Barcelona’s five group stage outings this term, the Argentinian netted a hat-trick Celtic and got another when his side hosted Manchester City at the Camp Nou.
He also got a goal when the Spanish giants visited Manchester and added two more in Glasgow last week.
On the other hand, Ronaldo became the first player to reach double figures in a group stage last season.
He already has 95 UEFA Champions League strikes (group stage to final) with Messi closing in with 92.
UEFA Champions League leading scorers after group stage
2015/16: Ronaldo (11)
2014/15: Luiz Adriano (9)
2013/14: Ronaldo (9)
2012/13: Burak, Ronaldo (6)
2011/12: Gomez, Messi (6)
2010/11: Eto’o (7)
2009/10: Ronaldo (6)
2008/09: Benzema, Gerrard, Klose, Messi (5)
2007/08: Ibrahimović, Ronaldo (5)
2006/07: Drogba, Kaká, Morientes (5)
2005/06: Shevchenko (6)
2004/05: Van Nistelrooy (8)
2003/04: Drogba, Makaay, Pršo, Şükür (5)
2002/03: Crespo, Inzaghi (8) – first group stage only
2001/02: Elber, Trezeguet (6) – first group stage only
2000/01: Rivaldo, Simone (6) – first group stage only
1999/00: Jardel, Rivaldo (5) – first group stage only
1998/99: Zahovič (7)
1997/98: Henry (6)
1996/97: Bokšić, Artur, Jardel, Pantić, Simeone, Simone (4)
1995/96: Litmanen (6)
1994/95: Weah (6)
1993/94: Rufer (4)
1992/93: Sauzée (5) (Source: UEFA)
