There is no better way to acknowledge an ex-record holder than gifting him something special and this is what is being done by Barca’s Lionel Messi who recently broke Mueller’s maximum number of goals in one calendar year record. Reportedly, Messi paid a tribute to German legend when he sent his signed shirt to him. He regards it a way to show his admiration and hug to an eminent soccer player. He wrote on the shirt, “With my respect and admiration. A hug. Leo” and signed it along with his name and number ‘10.’ Gerd Muller was the legendry German striker who scored 85 goals in 1972 and set a record which remained unbroken for more than forty years, until Lionel Messi could manage to break it; perhaps he added six more goals to set a new record of scoring maximum number of goals in one calendar year.
On a personal front, he has a reputation of one of the most humble players who believes in relationships, so his initiative to acknowledge an old legend is being appreciated from all corners; perhaps many are labeling him as a finest human being who is also a soccer star. Last year proved to be a best year in his career where he broke several records, including winning Ballon d’Or honor for fourth time in a row and also became father in his personal life. His fitness has also been his strongest point where he only missed one or two matches last year that shows how dedicated player he is. So, he seems to be ruling on all fronts.
Despite global appreciations of his soccer achievements, many are branding him as a luckiest player to beat the forty year old record; coz he got referees ‘kind’ penalties which helped him breaking the record, especially coz he belonged to Barcelona: one of the most powerful soccer clubs. Likewise, many players also claim that they can also break his record if they were playing for Barca, so there are few shadows on his record breaking achievement. Overall, he may be a leading record holder, but in the eyes of ex professionals, Mueller’s achievement were more respectable looking at the present day’s pressure forces being used in soccer games.
This year began with his arch rival Ronaldo’s brilliant performance, who knows if he be the next player to set a new scoring record? Let’s wait and watch!