How many goals Man City's Haaland needs to break Messi’s record

Erling Haaland has enhanced his reputation as one of the best forwards in world football currently after shattering records in English football in his first season with Manchester City.

The Norwegian star has started his second season in the same light after netting a brace as the Citizens began the defence of their Premier League title against newly promoted Burnley.

Haaland's goals against The Clarets have now taken his total tally for 2023 to 30 goals, but the Man City forward is still 61 goals short of Lionel Messi’s 2012 record.

According to Sports King, Messi put up an astonishing 91 goals, shattering the old record of 85 that was held by Gerd Muller during the 2012 calendar year.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 59 goals in 38 La Liga games, 13 goals in 12 Champions League games, 5 goals in 8 Copa del Rey games, 2 goals in 2 Supercopa games, 5 goals in World Cup qualifiers, and 7 goals in international friendlies.

Haaland would need to double down on his current goal-scoring for to surpass the Argentine veteran.

Haaland has now scored 30 Calendar year goals....he's only 61 goals away from Messi's record pic.twitter.com/Lfo8w3D2IF

— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) August 11, 2023