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FIFA can't verify Lionel Messi record claims

15 December,2012 09:01 AM IST | | Agencies

FIFA yesterday said that they were unable to check whether claims that an African footballer and not Argentina star Lionel Messi (lfet) was the record holder for the most goals scored in a calendar year.

u00a0"Thanks for the questions about Godfrey Chitalu. Our official stats are limited to FIFA competitions, so we cannot verify this ârecord'," FIFA's communications department said on its Twitter account @fifamedia.

"We keep records for all FIFA competitions," it added. Claims emerged on Thursday that Messi is short of Zambia legend Chitalu, who netted 107 times - 49 in league matches for Kabwe Warriors and 58 in cup and internationals - between January 23 and December 10, 1972.

Meanwhile, Guinness World Records has recognised FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi for setting a new mark for most goals in a calendar year.
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Lionel Messi FIFA record claims record holder