2012 proved to be some year for Messi in terms of individual records. His tally of 91 calendar goals saw him topple the long-standing world record of 85, held by Gerd Muller.
Muller, who set the benchmark in 1972, told Sport1.de: "My record stood for 40 years - 85 goals in 60 games - and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I'm delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic."
King of the world, five times
How could we ignore Messi's five Ballon d'Or awards? The Argentine took home the crown from 2009 till 2012 and once again in 2015.