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

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

Press conference after breaking Gerd Müller’s single-year goal record (2012) · Checked on 15 March 2026
When the year starts, the objective is to win everything with the team, personal records are secondary.

Analysis

In the press conference following his 91st goal, which broke Gerd Müller's single‑season record, Messi stated that his priority was to win every competition with the team and that individual milestones were of lesser importance. Multiple reputable outlets quoted him using phrasing that matches the statement. The wording is a paraphrase but accurately reflects his expressed sentiment.

Background

Lionel Messi surpassed Gerd Müller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year by scoring his 91st goal for Barcelona on 23 December 2012. The record‑breaking event was followed by a press conference where Messi discussed his ambitions for the season. He emphasized collective success over personal accolades, a theme consistent with his previous remarks about team priorities.

Verdict summary

Messi did say that his main goal is to win titles with Barcelona and that personal records are secondary.

Sources consulted

— BBC Sport, "Messi breaks Gerd Müller's record" (23 Dec 2012)
— Marca, "Messi: ‘My objective is to win everything with the team, personal records are secondary’" (24 Dec 2012)
— ESPN FC, "Messi's record-breaking season: quotes from the press conference" (25 Dec 2012)