Sports

Messi claims record 5th Golden Shoe

Published

6 years ago

December 18, 2018

Lionel Messi collected a record fifth Golden Shoe award on Tuesday for finishing last season as the top goalscorer in Europe .The striker scored 34 goals in 68 games for Barcelona , putting him ahead of Liverpool ’ s Mohamed Salah and Tottenham ’ s Harry Kane .

Cristiano Ronaldo , who has won the award four times , hit 26 goals in 52 matches for Real Madrid .

After being prsented with his latest prize in Barcelona , Messi said : “ The truth is I had no idea this would happen when I started . I dreamt of playing professional football and enjoying success , I love the game , but I never imagined I would have so much .
“ I enjoy the work , the effort , I ’ m at the best team in the world and play with the best team – mates in the world , so everything is easier . ”

The ceremony was attended by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu , as well as fellow players like Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto .

Messi also discussed Monday ’ s Champions League draw , which pitted Barca against Lyon in the round of 16 .

“ Lyon will be a complicated opponent , ” Messi said . “ Even if they are not known as one of the strongest teams , they are dangerous as they showed against Manchester City, one of the best teams in the world .

“ It will be difficult to go through , but the opportunity is there for us . We have several Frenchmen in the team like Samuel Umtiti and Malcom , who played in France , so perhaps they can help as well . ”

( AFP )