Vinicius Jr. Surpasses Messi’s Champions League Record with 50 Fewer Matches

Vinícius Jr. is cementing his legacy in the UEFA Champions League, delivering another outstanding performance for Real Madrid in their clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Brazilian winger was a key figure in attack, providing two crucial assists to Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham while constantly tormenting the City defense.

A Standout Performance at the Etihad

Despite not scoring, Vinicius left a significant mark on the match. In the first half, he came close to a stunning goal, only to see his shot rattle off the crossbar. However, his overall display earned him the Man of the Match award, with his final assist helping Bellingham secure a dramatic late victory for Los Blancos.

A Player for the Big Moments

This was not the first, second, or even third time Vinicius has stepped up on the grand stage. When the pressure is at its highest, he thrives, showcasing his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and playmaking ability. Against Manchester City, he may not have found the net, but his influence was undeniable, creating the majority of Real Madrid’s attacking opportunities.

Surpassing Messi’s Champions League Record

With his assist to Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. reached 13 assists in the Champions League knockout stages—surpassing Lionel Messi’s tally of 12. Remarkably, Vinicius achieved this milestone at just 25 years old and in 50 fewer matches than Messi.

This statistic highlights Vinicius’ growing influence beyond scoring—his vision and ability to provide key passes make him one of the most complete attackers in modern football. With each passing game, he continues to solidify his status as one of Real Madrid’s most decisive players on the European stage.