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Robert Lewandowski is tipped to surpass Lionel Messi’s UEFA Champions League goal tally after netting his 99th goal in the competition during Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda.
With four matches remaining in this season’s group stage, the Polish striker is expected to reach the 100-goal milestone, placing him alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to reach this mark.
Messi currently holds 129 goals, while Ronaldo leads with 140.
TNT Sports pundit Rory Smith believes it’s feasible for Lewandowski to close the gap on Messi.
“It’s not impossible that he catches Messi. Thirty more goals, two more years, fifteen a season. He’s quite old, but he famously eats his pudding before his main course. He’ll be going! And he’s going to have at least eight games per season to do it in. So it’s not impossible,” Smith said.
Eurosport on Thursday highlighted that Lewandowski’s Champions League journey began in 2011 with Borussia Dortmund, when he scored in a 3-1 loss to Olympiacos.
Since then, he has scored in 65 games, boasting only two losses and 58 wins. His consistency in Europe has made him one of the competition’s most prolific strikers.
The Barcelona forward will have the opportunity to add to his tally when the Spanish club faces Brest later this month. Following this, they will take on his former club Dortmund, travel to Benfica, and complete the group stage at home against Atalanta.
Former England international Karen Carney highlighted how the youthful energy in Barcelona’s current squad benefits Lewandowski.
“You’ve got the young players to do the running, which is always helpful,” she said.
England and Chelsea legend Joe Cole also praised Lewandowski’s remarkable feat.
“That’s incredible, Lewandowski, 99 goals,” he said. “With a flake on top! Look at the company he keeps,” he added.
Lewandowski now has his sights on reaching 100 Champions League goals, joining the exclusive club alongside Messi and Ronaldo.
English (US) ·