A few weeks ago, we launched the B.O.A.T. (Ballon d'Or Of All Time) vote on our official platform, an initiative that caused a sensation worldwide.

On this occasion, fans had the chance to choose the best Ballon d'Or in history from among those footballers who have won the award on more than one occasion.

Following the final tally of the votes, one edition emerged as the clear runner-up: Lionel Messi’s 2012 Ballon d'Or, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d'Or.

Check out the final B.O.A.T. rankings here.

At just 25 years of age, and in peak physical condition, the Argentine was playing for FC Barcelona and had already won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (2009, 2010 and 2011).

In 2012, Messi reached the peak of his sporting career and enjoyed a sensational year. It was a devastatingly successful season that is still the talk of the town.

That is why, below, we will look back at the records and statistics that cemented his legendary performance.

Gerd Müller’s record

For four decades, one goalscoring record was considered untouchable. In 1972, the legendary Gerd Müller set the world record by scoring 85 goals in a single calendar year.

In 2012, Messi left that figure behind and surpassed it by a wide margin...

The Argentine ended the calendar year with 91 official goals: 79 for FC Barcelona and 12 for the Argentina national team.

This feat was entered as a world record in the Guinness Book of Records.

Five Champions League goals and a cup title

Among his best matches that year was the UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored five goals in a single match.

He was the first player to achieve this in the competition’s modern format. A milestone that will go down in the history of the ‘Orejona’ forever.

Meanwhile, with FC Barcelona, he won the Copa del Rey and scored a goal in the final against Athletic Club. It was his only title that season.

He also provided 22 assists, directly contributing to 113 goals across 69 matches: one contribution every 53 minutes of play.

Lionel Messi’s statistics for 2012:

  • 69 competitive matches

  • 91 goals

  • 22 assists

  • 1 title: Copa del Rey

Fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or

That performance saw him win his fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or, a relentless run that no other footballer has been able to match to date.

Today, fans have confirmed in the B.O.A.T. poll that Messi’s 2012 Ballon d'Or remains one of the most dominant of all time.