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Lionel Messi reported that he had not damaged Pelé’s purpose record for a single club through a Santos spokesman.
Messi earned a Christmas supply early last week by scoring his 644th goal for Barcelona in the win over Real Valladolid.
In doing so, the Argentine superstar surpassed Pelé’s 643 goals in 19 seasons with Brazilian club Santos between 1956 and 1974.
At least Messi’s idea.
But Santos issued a long explanation as to why the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is far from matching, but only breaking, the achievement of three-time World Cup winner Pelé.
He was written through a member of the Association of Researchers and Historians of Santos FC and argues that Pelé’s total of 448 goals in friendly deserve not to be discarded.
“In the accounts of the specialized press, the king of football scored 643 goals in competitions and the 448 goals scored in friendly matches and competitions were ostracized, as if they were less valuable than the others,” he said.
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“The argument of some analysts is that many of those 448 goals scored in friendlys have faced rivals, such as small or regional teams.
“Despite this, the fites were played in official uniforms, with the official rules of the game and with a fit blade.
“We must not forget that clubs can only play friendly matches with the approval of regional and national federations, one of the regulations imposed through FIFA, the organizer of world football.
Are you from Lionel Messi or Santos in the dispute? Give us your opinion in the comments.
“Considering subjective attributes, such as opponents’ weakness, is ideal for collecting statistical data. The numbers are absolute. “
Despite Santos’ claim, Pelé went to social media to congratulate Messi after the 33-year-old matched his 643 record with a previous goal against Valencia in December.
“When your center is brimming with love, it’s hard to replace paths,” Pelé wrote on Instagram.
“Like you, I know what it’s like to wear the same blouse every day. Like you, I know there’s nothing bigger than feeling at home.
“Congratulations on your old record, Lionel, but above all, congratulations on your career in Barcelona.
“Stories like ours, loving the same club for so long, will become rarer in football. I really appreciate you. “
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