Haaland Regrets Manchester City's Draw, But Messi's Record Is Getting Closer

Erling Haaland will now pursue Lionel Messi's record in the Champions League (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - After setting a new record in last season's Champions League, Erling Haaland is soon nearing another record.

The Manchester City striker became the fastest player to score 50 goals in the tournament, with one goal against Napoli last month.

The score of 50 goals was created in the 49th appearance - breaking the record for Ruud van Nistelrooy who scored 50 goals in 62 matches.

Now, Lionel Messi's record is in front of his eyes and seems to be broken soon. Messi is the fastest player to reach 60 goals in this European club football's highest tournament.

He managed to achieve it in 80 appearances. Haaland's two goals against Monaco on Thursday, October 2, 2025, early morning WIB, saw him score 52 goals after just 50 games.

However, the Norwegian didn't want to talk about the record. He looked frustrated that Manchester City wasted a win with a penalty conceded in stoppage time so the score drew 2-2.

"It's not good enough. We have to try to win the next game. That's all we can do," said Haaland.

Haaland's two goals gave Manchester City the lead at Stade Louis II. He put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute, but Jordan Teze equalized three minutes later.

Haaland scored again in the 44th minute, but when Nico Gonzalez was deemed to have fouled the penalty box because his shot was too high after VAR intervention, Eric Dier managed to execute a penalty.

Haaland's latest goals extends his outstanding goalscoring record at the start of the season.

He has now scored 17 goals in 10 games for his club and country. Tottenham Hotspur's 0-2 defeat in August 2025 was the only game he had failed to score this season.