Inside Football’s Greatest Scoring Benchmark
The race to become the highest goal scorer in a single season in 21st-century football is heating up again. With Kylian Mbappé currently producing a historic goals-per-match ratio, football fans are starting to ask a serious question — can he break Lionel Messi’s legendary 73-goal season record set in 2011/12?
With potentially 25 matches still left this season, Mbappé is putting himself in a position to challenge one of football’s most iconic individual records.
Lionel Messi’s 2011/12 Season: The Benchmark of Modern Football
In the 2011/12 season, Lionel Messi delivered what many consider the greatest individual scoring season in football history:
- 73 Goals
- 60 Matches
- All Competitions
- Barcelona Treble-Chasing Era
Messi averaged 1.21 goals per game, a number that seemed almost impossible to match at elite level football.
What made the record even more impressive:
- Consistency across league and European games
- Ability to score against top-level opposition
- Minimal injury interruptions
- Tactical system built around maximizing his attacking output
For over a decade, no player has managed to come close to that number.
Kylian Mbappé’s Current Season: A Historic Pace
Mbappé is currently showing numbers that rival the early pace Messi had during his record season.
Current season snapshot:
- 37 Goals
- 30 Matches
- Average: 1.23 Goals Per Game
That ratio is higher than Messi’s 2011/12 average, which is why analysts are now seriously discussing record-breaking potential.
What Mbappé Needs to Break the Record
If Mbappé maintains his current scoring ratio:
If he plays 25 more matches:
- At 1.23 goals per game → ~30 more goals
- Projected total → ~67 goals
That would place him extremely close to Messi’s 73.
To break the record, Mbappé would need:
- A scoring surge period (multi-goal matches)
- Deep runs in domestic cups and European competition
- Strong team attacking support
- Injury-free run for the remainder of the season
Factors Working in Mbappé’s Favor
1. Modern Attacking Football
Teams today create more chances through high pressing, fast transitions, and data-driven tactics.
2. Physical Peak
Mbappé is in prime athletic condition, combining speed, finishing, and movement.
3. Team Dependence
Many teams build attacks around Mbappé as the primary scoring outlet.
4. Penalty Duties
Set-piece responsibility can significantly boost seasonal goal totals.
Challenges Mbappé Must Overcome
Fixture Congestion
Playing every match is difficult with modern scheduling and squad rotation.
Defensive Focus
Opponents will increasingly double-mark him as record talk grows.
Injury Risk
Even minor injuries can disrupt scoring rhythm.
Knockout Eliminations
Early exits from tournaments reduce total match opportunities.
How Other Legends Compare
Other elite seasons in the 21st century show how difficult Messi’s record is to break:
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 61 Goals (2014/15)
- Lionel Messi — 60 Goals (2012/13)
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 60 Goals (2011/12)
Even during peak eras of attacking football, no player has crossed the 70-goal barrier again.
Why This Record Matters in Modern Football
Breaking Messi’s record would:
- Cement Mbappé’s legacy in football history
- Redefine modern scoring standards
- Strengthen Ballon d’Or credentials
- Place him in direct GOAT-era statistical debates
Can Mbappé Really Do It?
Realistically, it will be extremely difficult — but not impossible.
If Mbappé:
- Maintains fitness
- Plays 20–25 more matches
- Has at least 5–6 multi-goal games
Then the record could genuinely be under threat.
Final Verdict
Lionel Messi’s 73-goal season remains one of football’s most untouchable records. However, Kylian Mbappé’s current scoring pace suggests that if anyone in modern football can challenge it, he might be the one.
With a long season still ahead and multiple competitions in play, the football world will be watching closely. If Mbappé stays consistent, we could witness history.
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