Lionel Messi’s 21-game scoring streak during the 2012/13 La Liga season remains one of the most iconic footballing records. The little genius proved his unparalleled consistency through this historic run, as the record remains untouched after 13 years.
A Blaugrana Chronicle: Messi’s 21 Consecutive Games Scoring Record
Messi’s scoring streak in 21 back-to-back La Liga games in the 2012/13 season is totally out of this world. The Argentine scored 33 goals in these matches and redefined consistency and individual brilliance. He set a new standard in Europe’s top five leagues, a record even the most lethal footballing strikers could not break.
An Unmatched Streak in Football History
This record of Leo has not come in touching distance by any other players. Before this record, Gerd Muller scored in 16 consecutive matches in the Bundesliga. After Leo’s record, Jamie Vardy scored in 11 straight games.
However, the 21-game streak is unique and has proven almost impossible. This means that Leo scored back-to-back in 55% of all the La Liga matches, as a typical La Liga season has around 38 games.
Records Within This Record
During this extraordinary feat, Leo bagged 33 goals in 21 games. However, Messi’s scoring variety makes this achievement even more impressive. La Pulga scored six braces, four-goal performances against Osasuna FC and goals in every match.
He scored against ALL 19 La Liga teams, leaving none of the opponents unscathed. He was dominant and would have won his 5th consecutive Ballon D’or if it wasn’t for his injury that spanned 45 days.
Key Performances in the Streak
Messi’s best performances throughout this streak came against Atletico Madrid and Osasuna. He scored a brace against Atletico, and his clinical finishing helped Barca defeat the Madrid-based side. The Osasuna game showed Messi’s relentless attitude in front of goal; he was unstoppable.
These moments displayed Leo’s ability to score goals and unparalleled influence on the Barcelona side as he single-handedly won Barca games.
A Record That Might Never Be Broken
Football has immensely evolved in the past decade. Players start a lot younger now and have the assistance of VAR. Modern attackers get the benefit of the doubt a lot more than the past decade, and goals get given by even the minutest of details.
Messi’s 21-game scoring record seems unlikely to be broken. Many players like Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland have emerged as goal machines. However, breaking this record will require consistency, excellence, and also a touch of magic, which Leo’s wizarding feet possess.
This streak is more than just a record. It symbolises Messi’s status as the greatest footballing player ever witnessed.