Jude Bellingham matches magical Lionel Messi in Champions League! Real Madrid superstar emulates Barcelona icon but Kylian Mbappe’s remarkable record remains intact

England international Bellingham starred for the Blancos as they swept aside RB Salzburg 5-1 in their latest European fixture. He posted two stunning assists in a comprehensive victory, with both of those teeing up Brazilian team-mate Rodrygo.

Bellingham has moved on to 24 goal contributions in elite continental competition. That is the same return that eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi managed at Barcelona at 21 years of age. The iconic Argentine had 17 goals and seven assists to his name.

Emulating Messi is a notable achievement, but Bellingham’s efforts only place him third on the list of most Champions League goal contributions by a player aged 21 or under. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland recorded 26.

At the top of the chart sits Bellingham’s current Madrid team-mate Mbappe, with the World Cup-winning Frenchman posting 37 contributions across spells at Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain – with that record unlikely to be broken any time soon.