Bernardo Silva Equals Lionel Messi’s Record
In an amazing display of skill and precision, Bernardo Silva, the Manchester City maestro, matched the impressive feat of Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski by scoring a brace in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad on Wednesday (May 17).
Silva now joins an elite group of players, becoming only the third individual to score at least twice against Real Madrid in a Champions League semi-final game. Lionel Messi achieved this remarkable feat during the first leg of the 2010-11 Champions League semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to a close-range effort and a magnificent solo goal.
Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker, is the other player to have accomplished this feat. He left football fans in awe when he bagged four goals in the first leg of the 2012-13 Champions League semi-finals at Signal Iduna Park. Lewandowski’s exceptional performance led his former club, Borussia Dortmund, to a memorable 4-1 victory at home.
Silva’s Performances
Bernardo Silva wasted no time in making his mark on the match at the Etihad, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute with a thunderous left-footed strike at the near post. It was a goal that reflected the sustained pressure exerted by the hosts, with Real Madrid struggling to maintain possession in the early stages of the game.
Not content with just one goal, Silva doubled Manchester City’s lead in the 37th minute with a perfectly executed header. At half-time, the aggregate score stands at 3-1 in favor of Manchester City, leaving Real Madrid with the daunting task of scoring twice without conceding to force extra time.
Adding to his impressive performance on the pitch, Bernardo Silva recently revealed his favorites for the 2023 Ballon d’Or. Among the contenders mentioned by the Portuguese midfielder are the illustrious Lionel Messi, the rising star Erling Haaland, and the promising Vinicius Junior.
Potential Awards
Messi, in particular, stands as a strong candidate for the coveted award, having led his team to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. A potential victory would mark his eighth Ballon d’Or, further extending his record-breaking tally.
Silva expressed his thoughts to L’Equipe, stating, “If Haaland wins the league and the Champions League, you can put him in the Ballon d’Or discussion, and you can also talk about Vini Jr. if Madrid wins the Champions League. But in general, it is between Messi and the winner of the Champions League, and so far, I will give it to Messi.”
Having won the prestigious award in 2021, Messi is undoubtedly a formidable contender. However, it is Karim Benzema of Real Madrid who currently holds the title, having clinched the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
As the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid reaches its thrilling climax, Silva’s extraordinary performance will undoubtedly go down in history, drawing comparisons to the likes of Messi and Lewandowski.
Football fans around the world eagerly await the outcome of the game and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner, where Silva believes Messi stands as the frontrunner for the prestigious accolade.
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