Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Break Pichichi Scoring Record
On Saturday, April 14, 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi yet again made history.
Both players broke La Liga's record for most goals in a single season. It is only fitting that these two superstars further build their legacies on the same day.
Congratulations to both players!
Against relegation-fighting Sporting Gijon, Ronaldo netted his 41st goal of the campaign. CR7 scored on a header from an Angel di Maria cross in the 74th minute.
The goal set a new mark for most goals in a single season in La Liga. He became the first player in league history to score more than 40 goals in a campaign.
Later in the afternoon, Messi scored a brace against Levante to equal Ronaldo's mark. The first goal came in the 64th minute after an assist from Alexis Sanchez. Messi's second came in the 72nd minute on a penalty.
The pair of superstars broke Ronaldo's own record of 40 goals, set just last year. The previous record was 38 goals. That record was shared by Athletic Bilbao legend Telmo Zarra (1950-51) and Madrid's own Hugo Sanchez (1989-90).
In all competitions, Ronaldo now has 53 goals, 10 goals behind Lionel Messi.
Even with three more total appearances, Messi's goals per game ratio is slightly better—1.21 goals per game compared to 1.10 goals per game for Ronaldo.
Whichever player's team has more to show at season's end will be the favorite to win the 2012 Ballon d'Or. Winning the Pichichi Trophy will be a big factor as well.
This race may not be decided until the last match of the season. The next few weeks are sure to be full of excitement.
Congratulations again to Ronaldo and Messi on this historic day.
