How Many Goals Man City's Haaland Needs to Break Messi’s Record

• Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City began the Premier League title defence
• The Norwegian forward has scored a massive 30 goals in 2023 and broke many records
• It is possible for Haaland to break Lionel Messi’s milestone of 91 goals in a calendar year

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.

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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.

Guardiola opens up on Haaland clash

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has explained there is no problem between him and Haaland after the Man City manager was seen berating the striker at half-time against Burnley, Daily Mirror reports.

The Spanish coach and his Norwegian star were seen in a feisty exchange as the reigning Premier League champions took a 2-0 lead going into the break against Vincent Kompany’s team.

Haaland made another sensational start to the English top flight after netting a goal within four minutes of the Premier League’s restart, perhaps affirming a desire to retain his Golden Boot award.

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Haaland matches unique Drogba record

Sports Brief also reported on Haaland matching Didier Drogba’s record thanks to his brace in Man City’s 3-0 win over Burnley on August 11.

It appears the Norwegian is picking up from where he left off after an astonishing debut season in which he scored 52 goals in all competitions.