Lionel Messi tops AP Global Soccer rankings: 1 More Goal to Break Record

Edging closer to a world record for goals in a year, Lionel Messi remains at the top of the AP Global Soccer rankings.

The Argentina forward was the overwhelming choice as best player of the week by The Associated Press’ panel of 19 global soccer journalists. He earned 161 of a possible 190 points

His two goals against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league helped Barcelona to a 5-1 win on Saturday, keeping the Catalan club at the top of the team rankings with 155 points.

Messi is only one goal from matching German great Gerd Mueller’s 40-year-old record of 85 goals in a calendar year.

Cristiano Ronaldo shone for Real Madrid in the game against Atletico Madrid, scoring on a free kick and setting up Mesut Oezil’s goal in a 2-0 win. Ronaldo re-entered the top 10 of the player rankings at No. 2 (132 points) after a two-week absence.