Lionel Messi vs. Erling Haaland: Who Will Score More Goals in Borussia Dortmund?
**Lionel Messi vs. Erling Haaland: Who Will Score More Goals in Borussia Dortmund?**
**Introduction**
When Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland were both at Borussia Dortmund, they left an indelible mark on the club. While their styles of play were vastly different, both became iconic figures for the Bundesliga side. This article compares their goal-scoring records, contributions, and legacies during their time at Dortmund.
**Lionel Messi at Borussia Dortmund**
Lionel Messi joined Borussia Dortmund in 2007, initially as a teenager, and became a key player in the team's rise to prominence. Despite his young age, Messi quickly established himself as a world-class talent. His ability to weigh defenses with precision and creativity set him apart.
Messi's goal-scoring record at Dortmund was exceptional. He netted an impressive 73 goals in 166 appearances across his six seasons with the club. His clinical finishing and unselfish play, often involving pinpoint crosses for teammates, made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
Messi also excelled as a playmaker, creating 83 assists, which is a club record. His leadership on and off the pitch helped galvanize the team, especially during the 2010-11 season when Dortmund won the Bundesliga. Without Messi, Dortmund might not have achieved their first league title in over a decade.
**Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund**
Erling Haaland joined Borussia Dortmund in 2012 and spent four seasons with the club, becoming one of the most feared strikers in world football. Known for his physicality, work rate, and clinical finishing, Haaland quickly became the backbone of the team.
Haaland scored 85 goals in 86 appearances for Dortmund, making him the club's all-time top scorer. His goal-scoring ability was unparalleled, and he held the record for the most goals in a single Bundesliga season (36 in 2015-16) until Robert Lewandowski surpassed it. Haaland's ability to dominate games with his strength and intelligence in the box made him a defensive nightmare.
Haaland also played a crucial role in Dortmund's success under manager Jürgen Klopp. His leadership on the pitch, combined with his goal-scoring prowess, was instrumental in the team's runner-up finishes in the Champions League and multiple Bundesliga titles.
**Comparison and Legacy**
While Messi and Haaland had different impacts on Borussia Dortmund, both were pivotal to the club's success during their respective tenures. Messi's creativity and playmaking skills allowed him to create opportunities for teammates, while Haaland's brute strength and clinical finishing made him the ultimate goal-scorer.
Messi's 73 goals and 83 assists showcase his all-around contribution, while Haaland's 85 goals highlight his goal-scoring prowess. Both players left Dortmund as legends, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire current and future generations of footballers.
In the end, both Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland scored an incredible amount of goals for Borussia Dortmund, but their contributions were as different as they were impressive. Their time at the club will forever be remembered as a golden era for the Bundesliga side.
