Florian Wirtz emulates the GOAT! Bayer Leverkusen sensation matches Lionel Messi European record in stellar Champions League display against Red Bull Salzburg

Wirtz delivered an extraordinary performance on Tuesday, steering Leverkusen to a commanding 5-0 triumph over Salzburg. The young attacking midfielder netted two goals, playing a pivotal role in his team’s success.

With his brace against Salzburg, Wirtz matched Lionel Messi’s tally of 17 European goals scored before turning 22. This rare feat places the 21-year-old German prodigy in the same league as one of football’s all-time greats.

Wirtz has never hidden his admiration for Messi. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, the midfielder shared insights into his early inspirations. “I had posters of Messi, Ousmane Dembele, and Aubameyang on my wall,” Wirtz revealed. “My first jersey, however, was Messi's Argentina jersey."When I was little, he was the best player there was at the time in the world. I watched videos of him, was a fan of his - I wanted to be as good as him."Of course, I've developed my own style in the meantime. [But] nobody can play like Messi - he has his own way of playing. Sometimes I watch more specifically how he solves situations."

Wirtz will be back in action against Union Berlin on Saturday in a Bundesliga fixture.