Messi claims record 5th European Golden Shoe
Lionel Messi moved one clear of Cristiano Ronaldo as the Argentine received a record fifth European Golden Shoe award after netting 34 goals last season.
The award is given to the player with the most goals in a league campaign every season. Messi was trailing Mohamed Salah by eight goals in April but eight goals in the last six league matches, which included two hattricks, moved him two goals clear of the Liverpool star. Harry Kane finished third in the standings with 30 goals.
After being presented with his latest prize in Barcelona, Messi said: "The truth is I had no idea this would happen when I started. I dreamt of playing professional football and enjoying success, I love the game, but I never imagined I would have so much.
"I enjoy the work, the effort, I'm at the best team in the world and play with the best team-mates in the world, so everything is easier."
The ceremony was attended by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, as well as fellow players like Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto.
Messi also discussed Monday's Champions League draw, which pitted Barca against Lyon in the round of 16.
"Lyon will be a complicated opponent," Messi said. "Even if they are not known as one of the strongest teams, they are dangerous as they showed against Manchester City, one of the best teams in the world.
"It will be difficult to go through, but the opportunity is there for us. We have several Frenchmen in the team like Samuel Umtiti and Malcom, who played in France, so perhaps they can help as well."
Messi also won the award in 2009-10 (34 goals), 2011-12 (50), 2012-13 (46) and 2016-17 (37). Messi got his first Golden Boot in the 2009-10 season (34 goals), the second he managed in the 2011-12 season, when he scored 50 goals. His third Golden Boot would arrive the following season in 2012-13 (46) goals and the fourth came in the 2016-17 season with 37 goals.
The Argentine is also leading Europe’s goal-scoring charts this season with 14 goals. The Golden Shoe is awarded by European Sports Media, an association of European sports newspapers and magazines. Director of Marca sports journal Juan Ignacio Gallardo, handed over the award to the Argentine during the ceremony today.
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