Lionel Messi Dethrones Ronaldo As the Most Prolific Player in Europe

• Lionel Messi broke the record for most goals in Europe's top five leagues after scoring against Strasbourg
• Messi equalled Ronaldo's record when he scored against title rivals Lens last month before outrightly taking the accolade on Saturday
• It is highly probable that he will make a comeback to Barcelona during the upcoming summer

Lionel Messi became the most prolific footballer in Europe's top five leagues thanks to his title-winning goal for Paris Saint-Germain's 1-1 draw with Strasbourg on Saturday, May 27.

Messi's effort from close range after receiving a pass from Kylian Mbappe took his tally for the season to 16 goals, sealing the French Ligue 1 crown for the Parisians in what will be his penultimate game in France.

Aside from netting the goal which confirmed PSG as French champions for a record 11th time, the 35-year-old further cemented his legacy in European football with his well-taken goal, making him the highest goal scorer across Europe's top five leagues - Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

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His goal against Strasbourg took him to a staggering 496 goals, surpassing that of long-standing nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been on 495 goals after he swapped Europe for the Middle East in January, per Fan Nation.

According to 90Min, the empyrean Argentine reached the landmark as Europe's most prolific footballer in 575 games, 51 matches less than Ronaldo.

It adds to a tall list of personal and team accomplishments in the 2022-23 season - winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina while scooping the 2022 Best FIFA Men's Player and the prestigious 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.

NBA legend hails Leo Messi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal is the latest to add his voice to the ongoing and endless GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

As he is fondly referred to, Big Shaq caught up with Club Miami TV at the NBA Eastern Conference finals and was asked to send a message to Messi.

“I would like to tell you that I love you, brother. You are the best and it will be a pleasure to get to know you,” he said in a mixture of English and Spanish, via Albiceleste Talk.