When the year starts, the objective is to win everything with the team, personal records are secondary.

Analyse

The statement aligns with Messi’s widely reported remarks during the December 9, 2012, press conference after breaking Gerd Müller’s 40-year-old record of 85 goals in a calendar year. He emphasized team goals over individual achievements, a sentiment consistent with his public persona and prior interviews. Video footage and transcripts from outlets like *FC Barcelona*, *Marca*, and *ESPN* confirm the quote’s accuracy and context. No credible contradictions exist in archival coverage of the event.

Achtergrond

In 2012, Messi scored 91 goals for club and country, surpassing Müller’s 1972 record of 85. The milestone was achieved during a 2–1 win over Real Betis on December 9, 2012, prompting a post-match press conference where he addressed the record. Messi’s humility and team-first ethos were recurring themes in his career, often highlighted in media narratives about his leadership style.

Samenvatting verdict

Lionel Messi did state in 2012 that team success was his priority over personal records, corroborated by multiple credible sources covering the press conference.

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