Chelsea Star Breaks Lionel Messi's 11 Year Record After Club World Cup Heroics

Chelsea Star Breaks Lionel Messi's 11 Year Record After Club World Cup Heroics

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:56 PM
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  • Kai Havertz played an integral role as Chelsea stunned Palmeiras to win the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday
  • The German playmaker scored the decisive penalty in extra time of the tough clash to steer the Blues to glory
  • His goal meant that he is now the first player since Lionel Messi to score in both finals of the Champions League and Club World Cup

Kai Havertz was the man of the moment for Chelsea as the Blues cruised to a 2-1 against Palmeiras to win the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday night, February 12.

The German forward netted the decisive penalty in the extra time for the thrilling clash to inspire Thomas Tuchel's men to glory.

Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea celebrate with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Havertz's goal meant that he is now the first player since Lionel Messi to score in both finals of the Champions League and Club World Cup. Photo by Darren Walsh.
Source: Getty Images

The match looked destined for post-match penalties having finished 1-1 during regulation time.

Romelu Lukaku scored the opener for Chelsea in the 54th minute but had it cancelled out by the South American champions 10 minutes later through Raphael Veiga.

Kai Havertz steps up vs Palmeiras

But with just three minutes left on the clock, Palmeiras conceded a penalty after Cesar Azpilicueta’s shot towards goal struck the arm of defender Luan Garcia – who was later sent off.

Havertz stepped up to fire home the decisive penalty kick as Chelsea stormed to victory.

It was another decisive moment for the German international for the Blues, having also netted the only goal of the game last May when his side stunned rivals Man City to win the Champions League final.

Havertz breaks Lionel Messi record

Havertz's strike against Palmeiras meant he has broken an 11-year record held by Lionel Messi.

Messi was the last player to score in the finals of both the Champions League and subsequent Club World Cup in 2011.

At the time, the Argentine scored in Barcelona's Champions League final triumph over Man United in a match that Pedro and David Villa also found the back of the net.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner went on to be decisive in the subsequent Club World Cup final, as he scored a brace in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Brazilian club Santos.

Until Havertz, no other player had scored in a combination of the Champions League and World Cup finals in more than a decade.

Tuchel dedicates FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Abramovic

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Thomas Tuchel has opened the lid on what he discussed with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during the FIFA Club World Cup final.

Asked what he told Abramovich, Tuchel revealed he use the opportunity to dedicate the trophy to the Chelsea owner due to his "input and passion."

"I said, ‘It is for you and it is your club. Your input and passion that made it possible.’ The trophy is for him," he said.
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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.