Lionel Messi - Biography, Height & Life Story | Super

Watch a short video biography of soccer star Lionel Messi, who has been named FIFA's "Player of the Year" a record four times. #BiographySubscribe for more B...About Lionel Messi. Lionel Andres Leo Messi Cuccittini is one of the biggest names in professional football, and one of the biggest sports stars in the world. Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987. He was born in Rosario, Argentina. He is popularly known as Leo, Atomic Flea, La Pulga, La Pulga Atomica and Messidona.Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or 6 times (four of them consecutively) and a 2008 Olympic gold medal winner with the Argentina Olympic Football Team.Lionel Messi, in full Lionel Andrés Messi, also called Leo Messi, (born June 24, 1987, Rosario, Argentina), Argentine-born football (soccer) player who was named Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) world player of the year five times (2009-12 and 2015).Lionel Messi Family plays a crucial role in Lionel Messi Biography. Lionel Messi Career: goal. Lionel Messi is a stellar performer in this generation of footballer, who has dominated the world with his prowess skills and won several major accolades with his club and country. Early Career: dailymail

Lionel Messi Biography - Wiki, Age, DOB, Height, Weight

Lionel Messi too believed in himself and was determined to grow into a great, world recognisable football player. Salvador Aparicio was the first football coach of Lionel Messi in Argentina. He said that when Lionel Messi was a child, he used to score six to seven goals in every match, even when there were players much older than him.Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Often considered the best player in the world and regarded by many as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record-tying five Ballon d'Or awards, four of which he won consecutively and a record five European Golden Shoes.Lionel Messi is a famous Argentinian footballer, and is also the captain of the team. He is one of the best players of today. They field for Argentina's national team and FC Barcelona. He recently set a new record by winning the Golden Shoe 5 times.Lionel Andrés Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi] (); born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team.Often considered as the best player in the world and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record six Ballon d'Or awards, a

Lionel Messi - Biography - IMDb

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini was born in the city of Rosario in Argentina. He was born to father Jorge Messi and mother Celia Cuccittini. In addition, Jorge was a manager in one of the steel factories. Similarly, Celia was a worker in a magnet manufacturing workshop.He scored 14 goals in 26 games. He decided to play for his native country Argentina in 2005. He was honored with Golden Shoe for maximum goals scored as well as Golden Ball for best player. Messi shared his birthday place with Argentina's rebellious Che Guevera.Best Football Player Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini was born on Midsummer Day, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, to a manufacturing plant manager, Jorge Messi, and his adult female Celia Cuccittini. Here we come up with Lionel Messi Biography, Age, Stats, Achievements, Personal Life. Messi was the third of 4 youngsters they gave birth to. He grew up during a family wherever the sport of soccer wasLionel Messi is an Argentinian professional footballer. He is considered one of the best players of his generation. Fellow player Diego Maradona declared Messi to be his successor. Lionel is the son of Celia María (Cuccittini) and Jorge Horacio Messi Pérez.Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a prolific forward. He was born on the 24th day of June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina to his mother, Celia Cuccitini, and his father, Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager. Our famous footballer had two elder siblings and a younger brother.

Jump to navigation Jump to go looking "Messi" redirects right here. For different makes use of, see Messi (disambiguation).

Lionel Messi Messi with Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World CupPersonal informationFull identify Lionel Andrés Messi[1]Date of birth 24 June 1987[2]Place of beginning Rosario, ArgentinaHeight 1.70 m (5 feet 7 in)[3]Position(s) ForwardClub informationCurrent team BarcelonaNumber 10Youth career1994–2000 Newell's Old Boys2000–2003 BarcelonaSenior career*Years Team Apps (Gls)2003–2004 Barcelona C 10 (5)2004–2005 Barcelona B 22 (6)2004– Barcelona 519 (473)National crew‡2004–2005 Argentina U20 18 (14)2008 Argentina Olympic 5[α] (2)2005– Argentina 142 (71) Honours Men's football Representing  Argentina FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2014 Copa América Runner-up 2007 Runner-up 2015 Runner-up 2016 2019 Olympic Games 2008 Team FIFA U-20 World Cup Winner 2005 U-20 Team South American U-20 Championship 2005 * Senior club appearances and targets counted for the domestic league simplest and proper as of 23:04, 8 May 2021 (UTC)‡ National team caps and goals right kind as of 17 November 2020 This article is part of a chain aboutLionel Messi

Argentine professional footballer

International targets Career achievements Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo

Films

Messi (2014) Messi (2017) vte

Lionel Andrés Messi[note 1] (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi] (pay attention);[A] born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a ahead and captains each Spanish membership Barcelona and the Argentina nationwide crew. Often considered as the best participant on the earth and extensively thought to be some of the greatest avid gamers of all time, Messi has gained a list six Ballon d'Or awards,[note 2] a list six European Golden Shoes, and in 2020 was named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. He has spent his whole skilled profession with Barcelona, the place he has won a club-record 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues. A prolific goalscorer and artistic playmaker, Messi holds the data for most goals in La Liga (473), a La Liga and European league season (50), maximum hat-tricks in La Liga (36) and the UEFA Champions League (8), and maximum assists in La Liga (192), a La Liga and European league season (21)[10] and the Copa América (12). He has scored over 750 senior occupation targets for club and nation, and has essentially the most goals ever through a participant for a unmarried membership.

Born and raised in central Argentina, Messi relocated to Spain to join Barcelona at age 13, for whom he made his competitive debut aged 17 in October 2004. He established himself as an integral player for the membership within the subsequent 3 years, and in his first uninterrupted season in 2008–09 he helped Barcelona achieve the 1st treble in Spanish football; that yr, elderly 22, Messi received his first Ballon d'Or. Three successful seasons adopted, with Messi successful four consecutive Ballons d'Or, making him the first player to win the award 4 times and in a row.[11] During the 2011–12 season, he set the La Liga and European information for most targets scored in a single season, while organising himself as Barcelona's all-time height scorer. The following two seasons, Messi completed second for the Ballon d'Or in the back of Cristiano Ronaldo (his perceived career rival), sooner than regaining his ideal shape throughout the 2014–15 campaign, changing into the all time top scorer in La Liga and leading Barcelona to a ancient moment treble, after which he was once awarded a 5th Ballon d'Or in 2015. Messi assumed the captaincy of Barcelona in 2018, and in 2019 he secured a list 6th Ballon d'Or.

An Argentine international, Messi is his country's all-time leading goalscorer. At adolescence level, he received the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, finishing the match with each the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe, and an Olympic gold medal on the 2008 Summer Olympics. His genre of play as a diminutive, left-footed dribbler drew comparisons with his compatriot Diego Maradona, who described Messi as his successor. After his senior debut in August 2005, Messi become the youngest Argentine to play and ranking in a FIFA World Cup right through the 2006 version, and reached the overall of the 2007 Copa América, where he was named younger player of the tournament. As the squad's captain from August 2011, he led Argentina to three consecutive finals: the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which he won the Golden Ball, and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América. After saying his global retirement in 2016, he reversed his resolution and led his nation to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and a third-place finish on the 2019 Copa América.

One of the most famous athletes on the earth, Messi has been sponsored by way of sports clothing corporate Adidas since 2006 and has established himself as their main model endorser. According to France Football, he was once the arena's highest-paid footballer for five years out of six between 2009 and 2014, and was ranked the world's highest-paid athlete by Forbes in 2019. Messi was once among Time's One hundred maximum influential folks on this planet in 2011 and 2012. In February 2020, he was awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, thus changing into the first footballer and likewise the first group sport athlete to win the award. Later that 12 months, Messi was the second one footballer (and moment team-sport athlete) to surpass 1 billion in career income.[12]

Early life

Messi used to be born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, the 0.33 of four youngsters of Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and his wife Celia Cuccittini, who labored in a magnet manufacturing workshop. On his father's facet, he is of Italian and Spanish descent, the great-grandson of immigrants from the northcentral Adriatic Marche region of Italy and Catalonia, and on his mother's side, he has basically Italian ancestry.[5][13] Growing up in a tight-knit, football-loving family, "Leo" developed a passion for the sport from an early age, enjoying repeatedly together with his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and his cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom was skilled footballers.[14] At the age of four he joined local membership Grandoli, the place he was coached by his father, even though his earliest influence as a player came from his maternal grandmother, Celia, who accompanied him to training and fits.[15] He was once greatly affected by her death, in a while sooner than his eleventh birthday; since then, as a religious Catholic, he has celebrated his goals by way of taking a look up and pointing to the sky in tribute to his grandmother.[16][17]

"When you saw him you would think: this kid can't play ball. He's a dwarf, he's too fragile, too small. But immediately you'd realise that he was born different, that he was a phenomenon and that he was going to be something impressive."

– Newell's Old Boys formative years coach Adrián Coria stocks his first affect of the 12-year-old Messi.[18]

A lifelong supporter of Newell's Old Boys, Messi joined the Rosario club when he used to be six years previous. During the six years he performed for Newell's, he scored almost 500 objectives as a member of "The Machine of '87", the near-unbeatable youth facet named for the year of their start, and ceaselessly entertained crowds via performing ball methods right through half-time of the first group's home video games.[19][20] However, his long term as a certified participant was threatened when, at age 10, he was once recognized with a growth hormone deficiency. As his father's health insurance coated best two years of expansion hormone remedy, which price no less than 1,000 per month, Newell's agreed to contribute, but later reneged on their promise.[21] He was scouted via Buenos Aires club River Plate, whose playmaker, Pablo Aimar, he idolised, but they have been also not able to pay for his treatment due to Argentina's economic collapse.[22][23] His goalscoring idol rising up was Ronaldo, with Messi calling him "the best forward I've ever seen".[24]

Messi enrolled at Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, at age 13

As the Messi family had family members in Catalonia, they sought to arrange an ordeal with Barcelona in September 2000. First group director Charly Rexach right away wanted to signal him, but the board of directors hesitated; at the time it was extremely abnormal for European clubs to signal overseas players of such a young age. On 14 December, an ultimatum was once issued for Barcelona to turn out their dedication, and Rexach, with out a other paper to hand, offered a contract on a paper napkin.[22][25] In February 2001, the family relocated to Barcelona, the place they moved into an condominium close to the membership's stadium, Camp Nou. During his first 12 months in Spain, Messi hardly ever performed with the Infantiles because of a switch war with Newell's; as a foreigner, he may just most effective be fielded in friendlies and the Catalan league. Without football, he struggled to combine into the workforce; already reserved by way of nature, he was so quiet that his teammates first of all believed he was mute. At home, he suffered from homesickness after his mother moved back to Rosario along with his brothers and little sister, María Sol, while he stayed in Barcelona along with his father.[19][25][26]

After a 12 months at Barcelona's adolescence academy, La Masia, Messi was in the end enrolled in the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in February 2002. Now playing in all competitions, he befriended his teammates, among whom were Cesc Fàbregas and Gerard Piqué.[27] After completing his growth hormone treatment elderly 14,[28] Messi turned into an integral a part of the "Baby Dream Team", Barcelona's greatest-ever adolescence side. During his first complete season (2002–03), he was height scorer with 36 targets in 30 games for the Cadetes A, who won an remarkable treble of the league and each the Spanish and Catalan cups.[27][29] The Copa Catalunya final, a 4–1 victory over Espanyol, turned into recognized in club lore as the partido de los angeles máscara, the final of the masks. Every week after struggling a damaged cheekbone right through a league tournament, Messi used to be allowed to start out the sport on the situation that he wear a plastic protector; soon hindered by means of the masks, he took it off and scored two goals in 10 mins sooner than his substitution.[30] At the shut of the season, he received an offer to sign up for Arsenal, his first from a foreign club, but while Fàbregas and Piqué soon left for England, he chose to remain in Barcelona.[25][31][32]

Club career

Barcelona 2003–05: Rise to the 1st crew "It seemed as if he had been playing with us all his life."

– Barcelona's then assistant trainer Henk ten Cate on Messi's first-team debut.[33]

During the 2003–04 season, his fourth with Barcelona, Messi abruptly improved during the membership's ranks, debuting for a checklist five early life teams in one marketing campaign.[34] After being named participant of the event in four international pre-season competitions with the Juveniles B, he performed just one authentic event with the group ahead of being promoted to the Juveniles A, the place he scored 18 targets in 11 league games.[35][36] Messi was once then certainly one of a number of formative years players known as up to beef up a depleted first team during the global smash. French winger Ludovic Giuly explained how a teenage Leo stuck the attention in a coaching consultation with Frank Rijkaard's first team: "He destroyed us all... They were kicking him all over the place to avoid being ridiculed by this kid, he just got up and kept on playing. He would dribble past four players and score a goal. Even the team's starting centre-backs were nervous. He was an alien."[37]

At 16 years, four months, and 23 days previous, Messi made his first workforce debut when he got here on within the seventy fifth minute throughout a friendly towards José Mourinho's Porto on 16 November 2003.[25][38] His efficiency, growing two possibilities and a shot on goal, inspired the technical staff, and he therefore started coaching daily with the membership's reserve facet, Barcelona B, as well as weekly with the first team.[39] After his first coaching session with the senior squad, Barça's new megastar player, Ronaldinho, told his teammates that he believed the 16-year-old would transform an even better player than himself.[40] Ronaldinho soon befriended Messi, whom he referred to as "little brother", which very much eased his transition into the first crew.[41][42]

Messi playing towards Málaga in October 2005

To gain further tournament experience, Messi joined Barcelona C in addition to the Juveniles A, playing his first recreation for the 1/3 crew on 29 November. He helped save them from the relegation zone of the Tercera División, scoring five targets in ten video games, including a hat-trick in eight mins during a Copa del Rey tournament whilst man-marked through Sevilla's Sergio Ramos.[35][43] His progress used to be reflected in his first skilled contract, signed on 4 February 2004, which lasted until 2012 and contained an preliminary buyout clause of €30 million. A month later, on 6 March, he made his debut for Barcelona B within the Segunda División B, and his buyout clause routinely higher to €80 million.[35][44] He performed five games with the B group that season however did not score.[45] Physically he was once weaker than his combatants, who were ceaselessly a lot older and taller, and in coaching he labored on expanding his muscular tissues and general energy so as to be able to shake off defenders. Towards the top of the season, he returned to both formative years teams, helping the Juveniles B win the league. He completed the campaign having scored for 4 of his 5 groups with a total of 36 goals in all reputable competitions.[35][43]

During the 2004–05 season, Messi was once a assured starter for the B workforce, taking part in 17 video games all the way through the campaign and scoring on six occasions.[40][46] Since his debut the previous November, he had now not been called as much as the first crew once more, but in October 2004, the senior avid gamers requested supervisor Frank Rijkaard to advertise him.[40] Since Ronaldinho already played at the left wing, Rijkaard moved Messi from his standard place onto the correct flank (regardless that first of all towards the player's wishes), permitting him to cut into the centre of the pitch and shoot together with his dominant left foot.[47][48] Messi made his league debut all over the following match on 16 October, in opposition to Espanyol, coming on within the 82nd minute.[25] At 17 years, three months, and 22 days previous, he used to be on the time the youngest participant to constitute Barcelona in an authentic festival.[42] As a exchange participant, he performed Seventy seven minutes in nine suits for the first staff that season, together with his debut within the UEFA Champions League towards Shakhtar Donetsk.[46][49] He scored his first senior goal on 1 May 2005, towards Albacete, from an help by means of Ronaldinho, becoming – at the moment – the youngest-ever scorer for the membership.[47][50] Barcelona, in their moment season under Rijkaard, gained the league for the first time in six years.[51]

2005–08: Becoming a beginning 11 participant "In my entire life I have never seen a player of such quality and personality at such a young age, particularly wearing the 'heavy' shirt of one of the world's great clubs."

– Fabio Capello praises the 18-year-old Messi following the Joan Gamper trophy in August 2005.[52]

On 24 June 2005, his 18th birthday, Messi signed his first contract as a senior group player. It made him a Barcelona participant until 2010, two years less than his earlier contract, however his buyout clause higher to €150 million.[44] His breakthrough came two months later, on 24 August, all through the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona's pre-season pageant. A starter for the first time, he gave a well-received efficiency against Fabio Capello's Juventus, receiving an ovation from the Camp Nou.[52] While Capello requested to mortgage Messi, a bid to shop for him got here from Inter Milan, who have been willing to pay his €150 million buyout clause and triple his wages.[53] According to then-president Joan Laporta, it used to be the only time the membership faced a real risk of losing Messi, however he in the long run made up our minds to stay.[54] On 16 September, his contract used to be updated for the second one time in three months and prolonged to 2014.[44][55]

Messi all over a training session with Barcelona in August 2006

Due to problems regarding his legal status in the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Messi overlooked the beginning of La Liga, but on 26 September, he got Spanish citizenship and changed into eligible to play.[55][56] Wearing the number 19 blouse, he steadily established himself because the first-choice right winger, forming an attacking trio with Ronaldinho and striker Samuel Eto'o.[32][57][58] He was once in the starting line-up in main suits like his first Clásico in opposition to competitors Real Madrid on 19 November, in addition to Barcelona's away victory over Chelsea in the closing Sixteen around of the Champions League.[59][57] After he had scored Eight targets in 25 games, including his first within the Champions League,[60] in a 5–Zero win over Panathinaikos on 2 November 2005,[61] his season ended in advance all the way through the return leg towards Chelsea on 7 March 2006, when he suffered a torn hamstring. Messi labored to regain fitness in time for the Champions League final, but on 17 May, the day of the overall, he was ultimately dominated out. He was so upset that he did not rejoice his team's victory over Arsenal in Paris, one thing he later came to feel sorry about.[51][57]

While Barcelona began a gentle decline, the 19-year-old Messi established himself as probably the most supreme players on this planet during the 2006–07 marketing campaign.[62][63] Already an idol to the culés, the club's supporters, he scored 17 objectives in 36 games across all competitions.[63][64] However, he persevered to be plagued by way of main accidents; a metatarsal fracture sustained on 12 November 2006 stored him out of action for three months.[65][66] He recovered in time for the closing 16 around of the Champions League against Liverpool, however used to be effectively marked out of the sport; Barcelona, the reigning champions, were out of the competition.[67]In the league, his target contribution greater in opposition to the tip of the season; Eleven of his 14 objectives got here from the remaining Thirteen video games.[64] On 10 March 2007, he scored his first hat-trick in a Clásico, the 1st player to take action in 12 years, equalising after each and every target by Real Madrid to end the event in a three–3 attract damage time.[68] His growing importance to the membership was once reflected in a brand new contract, signed that month, which a great deal greater his wages.[69]

Messi making his Maradona-esque run in opposition to Getafe in April 2007

Already regularly compared to compatriot Diego Maradona, Messi proved their similarity when he nearly replicated Maradona's two most renowned targets in the span of 7 weeks.[70] During a Copa del Rey semi-final towards Getafe on 18 April, he scored a goal remarkably very similar to Maradona's second goal in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, referred to as the Goal of the Century. Messi accumulated the ball on the correct facet close to the midway line, ran 60 metres (66 yd), and beat 5 defenders ahead of scoring with an angled finish, just as Maradona had executed.[22][71] A league match in opposition to Espanyol on 9 June saw him score by launching himself on the ball and guiding it past the goalkeeper along with his hand in equivalent type to Maradona's Hand of God goal in the similar World Cup match.[72] As Messi continued his individual upward thrust, Barcelona faltered; the staff failed to reach the Copa del Rey last after Messi used to be rested right through the second one leg in opposition to Getafe and lost the league to Real Madrid on head-to-head effects.[73][74]

After Ronaldinho lost form, Messi became Barça's new famous person player at handiest twenty years outdated, receiving the nickname "Messiah" from the Spanish media.[22][75][76] His efforts in 2007 additionally earned him award reputation; journalists voted him the third-best participant of the yr for the 2007 Ballon d'Or, at the back of Kaká and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo, while world managers and nationwide crew captains voted him moment for the FIFA World Player of the Year award, again behind Kaká.[77][78] Although he managed to attain Sixteen targets all through the 2007–08 campaign,[79] the second one half of his season used to be again marred by way of injuries after he suffered a torn hamstring on 15 December.[80] He returned to attain twice of their away victory towards Celtic within the last Sixteen around of the Champions League, turning into the contest's top scorer at that time with six objectives,[81] but reinjured himself all the way through the go back leg on 4 March 2008. Rijkaard had fielded him despite caution from the medical workforce, main captain Carles Puyol to criticise the Spanish media for pressuring Messi to play every match.[80] Barcelona completed the season with out trophies, eliminated within the Champions League semi-finals by the eventual champions, Manchester United, and positioned 0.33 within the league.[82]

2008–09: First treble

After two unsuccessful seasons, Barcelona have been short of an overhaul, resulting in the departure of Rijkaard and Ronaldinho. Upon the latter's departure, Messi was once given the quantity 10 blouse.[58] He signed a brand new contract in July 2008 on an annual wage of €7.8 million, becoming the club's highest-paid player.[83][84] Ahead of the new season, a big fear remained his common muscular accidents, which had left him side-lined for a total of 8 months between 2006 and 2008. To fight the problem, the club applied new coaching, diet, and lifestyle regimens, and assigned him a non-public physiotherapist, who would go back and forth with him throughout call-ups for the Argentina national workforce. As a end result, Messi remained virtually injury-free throughout the following four years, permitting him to reach his complete potential.[66][85] Despite his accidents early in the yr, his performances in 2008 noticed him once more voted runner-up for the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, each instances in the back of Cristiano Ronaldo.[77][86]

Messi aiming to shoot throughout the Champions League last in opposition to Manchester United in May 2009

In his first uninterrupted marketing campaign, the 2008–09 season, he scored 38 objectives in Fifty one video games, contributing along Eto'o and winger Thierry Henry to a total of One hundred goals in all competitions, a record on the time for the club.[87][88]

During his first season under Barcelona's new manager, former captain Pep Guardiola, Messi performed principally on the appropriate wing, like he had below Rijkaard, even though this time as a false winger with the liberty to cut within and roam the centre. During the Clásico on 2 May 2009, however, he performed for the first time as a false 9, situated as a centre-forward however shedding deep into midfield to hyperlink up with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. He assisted his facet's first goal and scored two times to finish the event in an emphatic 6–2 victory, the workforce's greatest-ever score at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.[89][90] Returning to the wing, he performed his first last since breaking into the first group on 13 May, scoring as soon as and helping a second target as Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 4–1 to win the Copa del Rey.[91] With 23 league targets from Messi that season, Barcelona was La Liga champions three days later and accomplished its 5th double.[87][92]

As the season's Champions League peak scorer with nine targets, the youngest in the match's history,[93] Messi scored two objectives and assisted two more to make sure a 4–Zero quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich.[89] He returned as a false nine all through the general on 27 May in Rome in opposition to Manchester United. Barcelona had been crowned champions of Europe by successful the tournament 2–0, the second one target coming from a Messi header over goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Barcelona thus achieved the 1st treble within the history of Spanish soccer.[94][95] This good fortune was once mirrored in a new contract, signed on 18 September, which dedicated Messi to the membership thru 2016 with a new buyout clause of €250 million, while his salary larger to €12 million.[83]

2009–10: First Ballon d'Or

His staff's prosperity endured into the second one half of 2009, as Barcelona was the first club to succeed in the sextuple, profitable six top-tier trophies in one 12 months.[96] After victories within the Supercopa de España and UEFA Super Cup in August, Barcelona gained the FIFA Club World Cup against Estudiantes de La Plata on 19 December, with Messi scoring the successful 2–1 target together with his chest.[97] At 22 years outdated, Messi received the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, each occasions via the greatest voting margin in each trophy's historical past.[77]

"Messi is the best player in the world by some distance. He's like a PlayStation. He can take advantage of every mistake we make."

– Arsène Wenger commends Messi for his 4–goal show against Arsenal in April 2010.[98]

Unsatisfied together with his place on the correct wing – with the club's summer time acquisition Zlatan Ibrahimović occupying the central forward position – Messi resumed enjoying as a false nine in early 2010, starting with a Champions League last 16-round event towards VfB Stuttgart. After a first-leg draw, Barcelona gained the second leg 4–0 with two goals and an help from Messi. At that point, he successfully became the tactical focal point of Guardiola's workforce, and his goalscoring fee higher.[99] Messi scored a total of Forty seven goals in all competitions that season, equaling Ronaldo's membership listing from the 1996–Ninety seven marketing campaign.[100][101] He scored all of his side's 4 objectives in the Champions League quarter-final in opposition to Arsène Wenger's Arsenal on 6 April while changing into Barcelona's all-time peak scorer within the competition.[102][103] Although Barcelona have been eradicated in the Champions League semi-finals by means of the eventual champions, Inter Milan, Messi finished the season as height scorer (with 8 objectives) for the second one consecutive 12 months.[104] As the league's top scorer with 34 targets (again tying Ronaldo's list), he helped Barcelona win a second consecutive La Liga trophy with only a single defeat and earned his first European Golden Shoe.[101][105]

2010–11: Fifth La Liga identify and 1/3 Champions League

Messi secured Barcelona's first trophy of the 2010–11 campaign, the Supercopa de España, through scoring a hat-trick in his aspect's second-leg 4–Zero victory over Sevilla, after a first-leg defeat.[106] Assuming a playmaking function, he was once again instrumental in a Clásico on 29 November 2010, the 1st with José Mourinho in charge of Real Madrid, as Barcelona defeated their competitors 5–0.[107] Messi helped the crew succeed in Sixteen consecutive league victories, a record in Spanish football, concluding with any other hat-trick in opposition to Atlético Madrid on 5 February 2011.[108][109] His club performances in 2010 earned him the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or, an amalgamation of the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, regardless that his win was met with some complaint due to his lack of success with Argentina on the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[77][110] Under the award's previous structure, he would have placed simply out of doors the top 3, owing his win to the votes from the global coaches and captains.[110]

Towards the top of the season, Barcelona played 4 Clásicos within the span of 18 days. A league match on 16 April resulted in a draw after a penalty from Messi. After Barcelona misplaced the Copa del Rey final 4 days later, Messi scored both targets in his side's 2–Zero win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals in Madrid, the second of which – a slaloming dribble previous three Real avid gamers – was once acclaimed as one of the vital very best ever within the competition.[111] Although he didn't ranking, he was once again essential in the second-leg draw that despatched Barcelona through to the Champions League final,[112][113] where they confronted Manchester United in a repeat of the overall two years previous. As the competition's peak scorer for the 0.33 consecutive yr, with 12 goals, Messi gave a man-of-the-match efficiency at Wembley on 28 May, scoring the match-winning target of Barça's 3–1 victory.[114][115] Barcelona won a third consecutive La Liga name. In addition to his 31 targets, Messi used to be also the league's peak assist provider with 18.[116][117] He finished the season with Fifty three objectives and 24 assists in all competitions, changing into Barcelona's all-time single-season height scorer and the first participant in Spanish soccer to reach the 50-goal benchmark.[116][118]

Messi (centre) and his teammates celebrating successful the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2011

As Messi developed into a mixture of a host 8 (a author), a 9 (scorer), and a ten (assistant),[119] he scored an unparalleled 73 targets and supplied 29 assists in all membership competitions during the 2011–12 season, generating a hat-trick or more on 10 occasions.[120][121][122] He began the campaign via serving to Barcelona win both the Spanish and European Super Cups; within the Supercopa de España, he scored three times to reach a 5–Four mixture victory over Real Madrid, overtaking Raúl as the contest's all-time top scorer with 8 objectives.[123][124] At the close of the yr, on 18 December, he scored two times in the FIFA Club World Cup final, a 4–0 victory over Santos, earning the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, as he had done two years in the past.[125] For his efforts in 2011, he again received the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming most effective the fourth participant in historical past to win the Ballon d'Or three times, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten.[126] Additionally, he received the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, a revival of the old-style Ballon d'Or.[127] By then, Messi was once already broadly thought to be probably the most superb footballers in historical past, along gamers like Diego Maradona and Pelé.[26]

2012: A record-breaking 12 months "I feel sorry for those who want to compete for Messi's throne – it's impossible, this kid is unique."

– Pep Guardiola after Messi was Barcelona's all-time top scorer at age 24 in March 2012[128][129]

As Messi maintained his goalscoring shape into the second one half of the season, the 12 months 2012 saw him smash a number of longstanding data. On 7 March, two weeks after scoring 4 objectives in a league fixture against Valencia, he scored 5 times in a Champions League final 16-round event towards Bayer Leverkusen, an unheard of fulfillment within the historical past of the contest.[130][131] In addition to being the joint top help provider with 5 assists, this feat made him height scorer with 14 targets, tying José Altafini's list from the 1962–Sixty three season, as well as becoming only the second one player after Gerd Müller to be height scorer in four campaigns.[132][133] Two weeks later, on 20 March, Messi became the highest goalscorer in Barcelona's history at 24 years previous, overtaking the 57-year list of César Rodríguez's 232 targets with a hat-trick against Granada.[129]

Messi pointing to the sky following his record five-goal show in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in March 2012

Despite Messi's individual shape, Barcelona's four-year cycle of good fortune below Guardiola – one of the biggest eras within the membership's history – drew to an end.[134] Although Barcelona gained the Copa del Rey in opposition to Athletic Bilbao on 25 May, its 14th name of that period, the workforce misplaced the league to Real Madrid and was once eradicated in the Champions League semi-finals via the eventual champions, Chelsea, with Messi sending a a very powerful second-leg penalty kick against the crossbar.[135][136] In Barça's final home league event on 5 May, towards Espanyol, Messi scored all 4 targets prior to coming near the bench to include Guardiola, who had announced his resignation as manager.[137] He finished the season as league height scorer in Spain and Europe for a second time, with 50 targets, a La Liga listing, while his Seventy three targets in all competitions surpassed Gerd Müller's 67 targets in the 1972–73 Bundesliga season, making him the single-season height scorer in the historical past of European membership football.[138][139]

Under manager Tito Vilanova, who had first coached him aged 14 at La Masia, Messi helped the club reach its best-ever begin to a La Liga season right through the second 1/2 of 2012, amassing 55 points by means of the contest's midway level, a list in Spanish soccer.[140][141] A double scored on 9 December against Real Betis saw Messi destroy two longstanding information: he surpassed César Rodríguez's listing of One hundred ninety league objectives, becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer in La Liga, and Gerd Müller's list of most targets scored in a calendar yr, overtaking his Eighty five targets scored in 1972 for Bayern Munich and West Germany.[142] Messi sent Müller a bunch 10 Barcelona blouse, signed "with respect and admiration", after breaking his 40-year record.[143] At the close of the 12 months, Messi had scored a listing Ninety one targets in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina.[144] Although FIFA didn't recognize the achievement, bringing up verifiability problems, he received the Guinness World Records identify for many goals scored in a calendar yr.[145][146] As the odds-on favorite, Messi again gained the FIFA Ballon d'Or, changing into the one player in history to win the Ballon d'Or 4 occasions.[144][147]

2013–14: Messidependencia

Barcelona had virtually secured their La Liga title by the beginning of 2013, ultimately equalling Real Madrid's 100-point record of the previous season. However, their performances deteriorated in the second one half of of the 2012–13 marketing campaign, concurrently with Vilanova's absence due to in poor health health.[148] After dropping successive Clásicos, together with the Copa del Rey semi-finals, they were just about eradicated within the first knockout around of the Champions League by Milan, however a revival of shape in the second one leg ended in a 4–Zero comeback, with two objectives and an help from Messi.[149] Now in his 9th senior season with Barcelona, Messi signed a brand new contract on 7 February, committing himself to the club thru 2018, while his fixed salary rose to €13 million.[150][151] He wore the captain's armband for the 1st time a month later, on 17 March, in a league match against Rayo Vallecano; by means of then, he had change into the crew's tactical focal point to some extent that used to be arguably rivalled only through former Barcelona players Josep Samitier, László Kubala and Johan Cruyff.[152] Since his evolution into a false 9 three years earlier, his input into the workforce's attack had increased; from 24% of their treble-winning marketing campaign, his target contribution rose to more than 40% that season.[153]

"In Leo we are talking about the best player in the world and when things are not going well you have to use him. Even if he is half lame, his presence on the pitch is enough to lift us and our play in general."

– Defender Gerard Piqué explains Barcelona's reliance on an unfit Messi towards Paris Saint-Germain in April 2013.[154]

After four in large part injury-free seasons, the muscular accidents that had up to now plagued Messi reoccurred. After he suffered a hamstring strain on 2 April, all the way through the first quarter-final in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain, his appearances was sporadic. In the second leg against PSG, with an underperforming Barcelona down a goal, Messi came off the bench in the second one half of and within nine minutes helped create their game-tying goal, which allowed them to development to the semi-finals. Still not worthy, he proved ineffective during the 1st leg towards Bayern Munich and used to be not able to play in any respect during the second, as Barcelona were defeated 7–0 on mixture through the eventual champions.[155] These suits gave credence to the perception of Messidependencia, Barcelona's perceived tactical and mental dependence on their big name player.[155]

Messi throughout a recreation towards Almería in March 2014

Messi endured to battle with damage right through 2013, eventually parting ways together with his long-time personal physiotherapist.[156] Further damage to his hamstring sustained on 12 May ended his goalscoring streak of 21 consecutive league video games, a global list; he had netted 33 goals all over his run, including a four-goal show against Osasuna, whilst changing into the 1st player to score consecutively towards all 19 opposition teams in La Liga.[157][158] With 60 targets in all competitions, together with Forty six objectives in La Liga, he finished the marketing campaign as league peak scorer in Spain and Europe for the second consecutive year, changing into the first participant in historical past to win the European Golden Shoe three times.[159][160] Following an abnormal start to the new season below manager Gerardo Martino, formerly of his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys, Messi suffered his fifth damage of 2013 when he tore his hamstring on 10 November, leaving him sidelined for 2 months.[161][162] Despite his injuries, he was voted runner-up for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, relinquishing the award after a four-year monopoly to Cristiano Ronaldo.[163]

During the second half of of the 2013–14 season, doubts persisted over Messi's shape, leading to a perception a few of the culés that he used to be booking himself for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Statistically, his contribution of objectives, photographs, and passes had dropped significantly in comparison to previous seasons.[164][165] He still controlled to break two longstanding information in a span of seven days: a hat-trick on 16 March towards Osasuna noticed him overtake Paulino Alcántara's 369 objectives to change into Barcelona's height goalscorer in all competitions together with friendlies, whilst every other hat-trick towards Real Madrid on 23 March made him the all time peak scorer in El Clásico, forward of the 18 goals scored through former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stéfano.[164][166] Messi finished the marketing campaign along with his worst output in five seasons, regardless that he nonetheless managed to attain Forty one targets in all competitions.[165][167] For the first time in five years, Barcelona ended the season and not using a main trophy; they were defeated in the Copa del Rey last by Real Madrid and misplaced the league in the remaining sport to Atlético Madrid, inflicting Messi to be booed by way of sections of enthusiasts at the Camp Nou.[168] After extended hypothesis over his long term with the membership, Messi signed a brand new contract on 19 May 2014, only a yr after his closing contractual update; his wage greater to €20 million, or €36 million earlier than taxes, the very best salary in the game.[169]

2014–15: Second treble Messi celebrating his moment target towards Granada in September 2014

Under new supervisor and former captain Luis Enrique, Messi skilled a largely injury-free begin to the 2014–15 season, permitting him to break 3 more longstanding records in opposition to the top of the 12 months.[170] A hat-trick scored towards Sevilla on 22 November made him the all time peak scorer in La Liga, as he surpassed the 59-year record of 251 league objectives held by Telmo Zarra.[171] A third hat-trick, scored in opposition to town rivals Espanyol on 7 December, allowed him to surpass César Rodríguez as the all-time top scorer in the Derbi barceloní with 12 goals.[172] Messi once more placed moment within the FIFA Ballon d'Or in the back of Cristiano Ronaldo, in large part owing to his second-place success with Argentina at the World Cup.[173]

At the beginning of 2015, Barcelona have been gave the impression to be headed for another disappointing finish to the season, with renewed hypothesis in the media that Messi used to be leaving the membership. A turning level got here on 11 January all through a three–1 victory over Atlético Madrid, the 1st time Barça's attacking trident of Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar, dubbed "MSN", each scored in a event, marking the start of a extremely successful run.[174][175] After five years of playing in the centre of the pitch, Messi had returned to his old position at the appropriate wing overdue the former year, by means of his own suggestion consistent with Suárez, their striker.[175][176] From there, he regained his very best – arguably his best-ever – shape, whilst Suárez and Neymar ended the group's attacking dependency on their superstar participant.[177][178] With Fifty eight targets from Messi, the trio scored a total of 122 objectives in all competitions that season, a listing in Spanish football.[179]

Messi dribbling past Juventus defender Patrice Evra all the way through the UEFA Champions League Final in June 2015. Prior to the event, Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon stated, "Messi is an alien that dedicates himself to playing with humans".[180]

Towards the end of the campaign, Messi scored in a 1–Zero away win over Atlético Madrid on 17 May, securing the La Liga title.[181] Among his 43 league targets that season used to be a hat-trick scored in 11 mins in opposition to Rayo Vallecano on 8 March, the quickest of his senior career; it used to be his 32nd hat-trick overall for Barcelona, allowing him to overtake Telmo Zarra with essentially the most hat-tricks in Spanish soccer.[182] As the season's height lend a hand supplier with 18 he surpassed Luís Figo with the most assists in La Liga;[note 3] he made his checklist 106th lend a hand in a fixture towards Levante on 15 February, wherein he additionally scored a hat-trick.[183][184][185] Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 3–1 in the Copa del Rey last on 30 May, achieving the sixth double in their historical past. His opening target was once hailed as one of the crucial best in his profession; he amassed the ball close to the halfway line and beat 4 opposing players, before feinting the goalkeeper to attain in a decent house by the close to put up.[186]

In the Champions League, Messi scored two times and assisted on some other of their 3–0 semi-final victory over Bayern Munich, now under the stewardship of Guardiola.[187] His second target, which came best three minutes after his first, saw him chip the ball over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after his dribble past Jérôme Boateng had made the defender drop to the bottom; it went viral, changing into the 12 months's most tweeted about carrying moment, and used to be named the best goal of the season via UEFA.[188][189] Despite a second-leg loss, Barcelona progressed to the final on 6 June in Berlin, where they defeated Juventus 3–1 to win their moment treble, becoming the first group in history to do so.[190][191] Although Messi did not rating, he participated in every of his aspect's objectives, specifically the second as he compelled a parried save from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from which Suárez scored the match-winning target at the rebound.[179] In addition to being the top lend a hand supplier with six assists, Messi completed the competition as the joint top scorer with ten goals, which earned him the distinction of being the first participant ever to succeed in the top scoring mark in 5 Champions League seasons.[192][193] For his efforts all through the season, he acquired the UEFA Best Player in Europe award for a moment time.[194]

2015–16: Domestic good fortune Messi protecting off Sevilla's Éver Banega during the 2015 UEFA Super Cup in Tbilisi

Messi opened the 2015–Sixteen season via scoring twice from unfastened kicks in Barcelona's 5–4 victory (after additional time) over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.[195] On 16 September, he became the youngest participant to make 100 appearances within the UEFA Champions League in a 1–1 away draw to Roma.[196] After a knee damage, he returned to the pitch on 21 November, making a substitute look in Barcelona's 4–Zero away win over opponents Real Madrid in El Clásico.[197] Messi capped off the year via winning the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup Final on 20 December, gathering his fifth club trophy of 2015 as Barcelona defeated River Plate 3–0 in Yokohama.[198] On 30 December, Messi scored on his 500th appearance for Barcelona, in a 4–Zero home win over Real Betis.[199]

On 11 January 2016, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a checklist fifth time in his profession.[200] On 3 February, he scored a hat-trick in Barcelona's 7–Zero win towards Valencia within the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on the Camp Nou.[201] In a 6–1 home win towards Celta Vigo in the league, Messi assisted Suárez from a penalty kick. Some noticed it as "a touch of genius", whilst others criticised it as being disrespectful to the opponent. The Celta gamers by no means complained and their trainer defended the penalty, stating, "Barca's forwards are very respectful." The penalty routine has been compared to that of Barça icon Johan Cruyff in 1982, who was once fighting lung most cancers, main many fanatics to signify that the penalty was a tribute to him. Cruyff himself used to be "very happy" with the play, insisting "it was legal and entertaining".[202][203]

On 17 February, Messi reached his three hundredth league goal in a 1–3 away win in opposition to Sporting de Gijón.[204] A couple of days later, he scored both objectives in Barcelona's 0–2 win in opposition to Arsenal on the Emirates Stadium, in the first leg of the 2015–Sixteen UEFA Champions League round of 16, with the second target being Barcelona's 10,000th in reliable competitions.[205] On 17 April, Messi ended a five-match scoring drought together with his 500th senior profession goal for club and country in Barcelona's 2–1 house loss to Valencia.[206] Messi completed the 2015–16 season by means of putting in place both goals in Barcelona's 2–0 extra time win over Sevilla in the 2016 Copa del Rey Final, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, on 22 May 2016, because the club celebrated winning the domestic double for the second one consecutive season.[207] In total, Messi scored 41 objectives and supplied 23 assists, as Barcelona's attacking trio controlled a Spanish record of 131 targets all the way through the season, breaking the listing they'd set the previous season.[208]

2016–17: Fourth Golden Boot "[Messi] is indispensable, but the rest of us are dispensable. – No, the club is bigger than any manager, than any player... except Leo. That's the reality, and you have to accept it."

– In an interview with Barcelona's respectable mag, Javier Mascherano outlines Messi's importance to the group.[209]

Messi opened the 2016–17 season by way of lifting the 2016 Supercopa de España as Barcelona's captain in the absence of the injured Andrés Iniesta;[210] he set-up Munir's goal in a 2–Zero away win over Sevilla in the first leg on 14 August,[211] and subsequently scored and assisted in a three–Zero win in the go back leg on 17 August.[212] Three days later, he scored two objectives and provided an assist to guide Barcelona to a 6–2 victory towards Real Betis within the opening sport of the 2016–17 La Liga season.[213] On 13 September 2016, Messi scored his first hat-trick of the season in the opening game of the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League campaign towards Celtic in a 7–0 victory; this used to be additionally Messi's 6th hat-trick within the Champions League, essentially the most by way of any player. Every week later, Messi sustained a groin injury in a 1–1 draw in opposition to Atlético Madrid and was dominated out with damage for 3 weeks.[214] He marked his return with a goal, scoring three mins after coming off the bench in a 4–0 house win over Deportivo de La Coruña, on 16 October.[215] Three days after this, he netted his thirty-seventh membership hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Manchester City 4–0.[216] On 1 November, Messi scored his 54th Champions League staff degree goal in Barcelona's 3–1 away loss to Manchester City, surpassing the former record of Fifty three targets held via Raúl.[217]

Messi previous to a friendly game with Al Ahli SC in Doha, Qatar in December 2016

Messi finished the year with Fifty one goals, making him Europe's peak scorer, one forward of Zlatan Ibrahimović.[218] After placing moment in the 2016 Ballon d'Or, on 9 January 2017 Messi additionally completed in moment position – behind Cristiano Ronaldo as soon as once more – within the 2016 Best FIFA Men's Player Award.[219] On 11 January, Messi scored from a free-kick in Barcelona's 3–1 victory against Athletic Bilbao in the second one leg of the around of Sixteen of the Copa del Rey, which enabled Barcelona to advance to the quarter-finals of the contest; along with his 26th goal from a free-kick for Barcelona in all competitions, he equalled the club's all-time record, which had up to now been set via Ronald Koeman.[220] In his next league event, on 14 January, Messi scored in a 5–0 win in opposition to Las Palmas; with this target, he equalled Raúl's listing for essentially the most groups scored in opposition to in La Liga (35).[221]

On 4 February 2017, Messi scored his 27th free-kick for Barcelona in a three–0 home win over Athletic Bilbao within the league, overtaking Koeman as the club's all-time top-scorer from free-kicks.[222] On 23 April, Messi scored twice in a 3–2 away win over Real Madrid. His game-winning goal in stoppage time was his 500th for Barcelona.[223] His memorable birthday celebration noticed him commencing his Barcelona blouse and holding it as much as incensed Real Madrid fans – along with his name and number dealing with the group.[224] On 27 May, Messi scored a goal and arrange another for Paco Alcácer in the 2017 Copa del Rey Final, serving to Barcelona to a 3–1 victory over Alavés, and was once named Man of the Match.[225] In general, Messi finished the 2016–17 season with Fifty four targets and Sixteen assists, whilst his 37 goals in La Liga noticed him claim each the Pichichi and European Golden Boot Awards for the fourth time in his occupation.[226]

2017–18: Domestic double and a list fifth Golden Boot

Messi opened the 2017–18 season through converting a penalty in Barcelona's 1–3 first leg house defeat to Real Madrid in Supercopa de España.[227] Thereby, Messi additionally extended his El Clásico goalscoring list with the goal being his twenty fourth reputable and twenty fifth general.[228] On 9 September, Messi scored his first hat-trick of the 2017–18 league marketing campaign, towards Espanyol in Derbi barceloní, thus serving to to safe a 5–Zero house victory for Blaugrana over native opponents.[229] Messi netted twice in opposition to Gianluigi Buffon, on 12 September, as Barça defeated the final season's Italian champions Juventus 3–0 at house within the UEFA Champions League.[230] On 19 September, Messi discovered the net 4 occasions in a 6–1 trashing of Eibar on the Camp Nou in La Liga.[231] Three weeks later, on 1 October, Messi surpassed his former teammate Carles Puyol to turn into the 1/3 best appearance maker within the club's history, as he helped Barça defeat Las Palmas 3–0 by means of aiding Sergio Busquets' opener and later including two himself in his 594th authentic game for the club; the league game was once played in the back of closed doorways at the Camp Nou because of violence in Catalonia on the subject of an ongoing independence referendum.[232]

On 18 October, in his 122nd European club look, Messi scored his 97th UEFA Champions League goal, and his one centesimal in all UEFA membership competitions, in a three–1 home victory over Olympiacos.[233] Messi changed into simplest the second one participant after Cristiano Ronaldo to succeed in this century milestone, but completed it in 21 fewer appearances than the Portuguese counterpart.[234] On 4 November, he made his 600th look for Barcelona in a 2–1 house win over Sevilla in La Liga.[235] Following the reception of his fourth Golden Boot, Messi signed a brand new care for Barcelona on 25 November, preserving him with the club throughout the 2020–21 season. His buyout clause used to be set at €700 million.[236] On 7 January 2018, Messi made his 400th La Liga look with Barcelona in a 3–0 home win over Levante, marking the occasion along with his 144th league assist and 365th league target for the membership, the latter of which noticed him equivalent Gerd Müller's listing for probably the most league targets scored for a similar club in one in every of Europe's top five divisions.[237] Every week later, he broke the listing, scoring his 366th La Liga goal from a loose kick in a 4–2 away win against Real Sociedad.[237]

On 4 March, he scored his 600th senior profession target from a loose kick in a 1–Zero house win over Atlético Madrid, in La Liga.[238] On 14 March, Messi scored his 99th and one centesimal Champions League targets in a three–0 home win over Chelsea, changing into most effective the second participant after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach this landmark, in fewer appearances, at a more youthful age and having taken fewer pictures than his Portuguese counterpart.[239] His opening goal, which got here after simplest two minutes and eight seconds, was once also the fastest of his occupation, as Barcelona complex to the quarter-finals of the contest for the eleventh consecutive season.[240] On 7 April, he scored a hat-trick in a three–1 win over Leganés together with his sixth target scored from a free-kick for the season, matching the checklist set by way of former teammate Ronaldinho.[241] He once once more completed the season as the highest scorer in La Liga, with 34 goals, which also noticed him win his fifth Golden Shoe award.[242] On 21 April, Messi scored Barcelona's second target – his 40th of the season – in a 5–0 win over Sevilla in the 2018 Copa del Rey Final, later also setting up Suárez's second goal; this was once Barcelona's fourth consecutive name and their thirtieth overall.[243] On 29 April, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 4–2 away win over Deportivo de La Coruña, which noticed Barcelona declare their twenty fifth league name.[244] On 9 May, Messi scored as Barcelona defeated Villarreal 5–1 to set the longest unbeaten streak (43 video games) in La Liga historical past.[245]

2018–19: Barcelona captain, 10th La Liga title, and a record 6th Golden Boot

With the departure of former captain Andrés Iniesta in May 2018, Messi was once named the crew's new captain for the next season.[246] On 12 August 2018, he lifted his first title as Barcelona's captain, the Supercopa de España, following a 2–1 victory over Sevilla. On 19 August, Messi scored two times in helping Barcelona defeat Alavés 3–Zero in their first La Liga event of the season, along with his first target, a free kick that he rolled beneath the leaping Alavés wall, making history in being Barcelona's 6000th goal in La Liga.[247] On 18 September, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 home win over PSV Eindhoven in Barcelona's opening Champions League crew degree match of the season, environment a new listing for most hat-tricks within the competition, with 8.[248] On 20 October, Messi scored and assisted in a 4–2 house win over Sevilla, however used to be later compelled off in the 26th minute after falling awkwardly and injuring his correct arm; exams later confirmed that he had fractured his radial bone, ruling him out for approximately 3 weeks.[249] On 8 December, Messi scored two free kicks – his ninth and tenth goals from set items right through the calendar 12 months – in a 4–0 away win over Derbi barceloní rivals Espanyol in La Liga; this was once the first time ever that he had managed this sort of feat within the league. His first target used to be also his tenth league goal of the season, making him the 1st participant ever to achieve double figures in La Liga for 13 consecutive seasons.[250]

Messi taking a free-kick towards Real Valladolid in August 2018

On 13 January 2019, Messi scored his 400th La Liga goal in his 435th league look in a 3–Zero house win over Eibar, becoming the first participant ever to manage this tally in simply one in all Europe's peak five leagues.[251] On 2 February, Messi scored two times in a 2–2 draw towards Valencia, with his first target coming from the penalty spot, his 50th La Liga penalty goal; as such, he turned into most effective the 1/3 participant in La Liga historical past after Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Sánchez to score 50 penalties in the festival.[252] Later that month, the club admitted that they had begun arrangements for Messi's future retirement.[253] On 23 February, Messi scored the 50th hat-trick of his career and likewise equipped an lend a hand for Suárez, as he helped Barcelona come from behind to reach a 4–2 away victory over Sevilla in La Liga; the goal was also his 650th occupation target for club and nation at senior level.[254] On 16 April, Messi scored twice in a 3–0 home victory over Manchester United in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals to give Barcelona a 4–0 combination win, which noticed Barcelona progress to the semi-finals of the contest for the first time since 2015; those had been additionally his first goals within the Champions League quarter-finals since 2013.[255][256]

On 27 April, Messi came off the bench and scored the only target in a 1–Zero house win over Levante, which allowed Barcelona to clinch the league title;[257] this was his 450th La Liga look, and his first league title as Barcelona's captain.[258][259] On 1 May, Messi scored two times in a three–0 house win over Liverpool within the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals; his second target of the event, a 35-yard unfastened kick, was the 600th senior club goal of his career, all of which have been scored with Barcelona.[260] In the go back leg six days later at Anfield, Barcelona suffered a 4–0 away defeat, which saw Liverpool advance to the general 4–3 on aggregate.[261] On 19 May, in Barcelona's last La Liga event of the season, Messi scored twice in a 2–2 away draw against Eibar (his forty ninth and fiftieth goals of the season in all competitions), which noticed him seize his 6th Pichichi Trophy because the league's top scorer, with 36 objectives in 34 appearances; with six titles, he equalled Zarra because the participant with essentially the most top-scorer awards in La Liga.[262] He also captured his sixth Golden Shoe award, and a list third consecutive award because the 2016–17 season.[263] On 25 May, Messi scored his final target of the season in a 2–1 defeat to Valencia within the 2019 Copa del Rey Final.[264]

2019–20: A record sixth Ballon d'Or

On 5 August 2019, it was once announced that Messi would miss Barcelona's US excursion after sustaining a appropriate calf damage.[265] On 19 August, Messi's chipped goal from the edge of the field towards Real Betis was nominated for the 2019 FIFA Puskás Award.[266] Later that month, he suffered some other setback following the return of his calf damage, which ruled him out of the hole game of the season;[267] because of this, he was sidelined indefinitely, and used to be best expected to return to action with Barcelona after the September international spoil.[268] On 2 September, Messi used to be shortlisted as one of the vital 3 finalists for each the 2019 FIFA Puskás Award and the 2019 Best FIFA Men's Player Award, with Messi profitable the latter on 23 September.[269][270]

Messi made his first look of the season on 17 September, and on 6 October he scored his first goal of the season with a loose kick in a 4–Zero home win over Sevilla; this was his 420th target in La Liga, which noticed him wreck Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 419 targets scored in Europe's peak 5 leagues.[271] On 23 October, Messi scored his first Champions League goal of the season in a 2–1 away win over Slavia Prague, turning into the 1st participant to attain in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons (except for qualifying rounds).[272] He also equalled Raúl and Cristiano Ronaldo's shared record of the most aspects scored in opposition to in the festival (33).[273] On 29 October, Messi scored and assisted twice in a 5–1 house win over Real Valladolid in La Liga; his first goal – a suite piece from 35 yards – was the fiftieth free-kick of his occupation.[274] His objectives (608) additionally noticed him overtake Cristiano Ronaldo's senior target tally (606) at club degree.[275] On 9 November, Messi scored three objectives (together with two unfastened kicks) in a 4–1 house win towards Celta Vigo. This was once his thirty fourth hat-trick in La Liga, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's Spanish top-flight list.[276] On 27 November, in what was his 700th look for Barcelona, Messi scored one goal and assisted two extra in a 3–1 home win over Borussia Dortmund within the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund was once the thirty fourth crew he had scored in opposition to in the pageant, breaking the former listing of 33 held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl.[277] On 2 December, Messi was awarded a record-breaking 6th Ballon d'Or.[278] On 8 December, Messi scored his record-breaking 35th hat-trick in La Liga with 3 targets in Barcelona's 5–2 home win over Mallorca.[279]

On 22 February 2020, Messi scored 4 targets in a 5–0 home win over Eibar in La Liga.[280] On 14 June, in a 4–Zero away win in opposition to Mallorca, Messi assisted two times and scored some other, changing into the first player ever in La Liga to score 20 goals or more in 12 consecutive seasons.[281] On 30 June, he scored a panenka in a 2–2 house draw in opposition to Atlético Madrid in La Liga, to succeed in his 700th goal in his senior career for Barcelona and Argentina.[282] On 11 July, Messi provided his 20th help of the league season for Arturo Vidal in a 1–Zero away win over Real Valladolid, equalling Xavi's record of 20 assists in one La Liga season from 2008 to 2009;[283][284][285] with 22 goals, he additionally became handiest the second participant ever, after Thierry Henry within the 2002–03 FA Premier League season with Arsenal (24 goals and 20 assists), to record no less than 20 objectives and 20 assists in a single league season in one of Europe's height–five leagues.[285][286] Following his brace in a 5–0 away win in opposition to Alavés within the final match of the season on 20 May, Messi completed the season as both the highest–scorer and height help supplier in La Liga, with 25 targets and 21 assists respectively, which saw him win his checklist seventh Pichichi trophy, overtaking Zarra; however, Barcelona missed out at the league title to Real Madrid.[287] On 9 August, in the Champions League around of Sixteen moment leg as opposed to Napoli on the Camp Nou, Messi scored the second one target and earned a penalty which led to a third target and led his facet to a 3–1 house victory and certified 4–2 on combination for the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich.[288] On 15 August, Messi suffered his worst defeat as a player as Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 8–2 in a one-off tie in Lisbon, leading to any other disappointing go out from the Champions League.[289]

August 2020: Desire to leave Barcelona "I wasn't glad and I wanted to go away. I've now not been allowed this by any means and I will keep at the membership in order to not get into a prison dispute. The management of the club led through Bartomeu is a disaster. My love for Barca will never exchange."

– Messi on reversing his resolution to leave Barcelona in an interview with Goal on 4 September 2020.[290]

Following growing dissatisfaction with the route of Barcelona off and on the sphere,[291] Barcelona announced that Messi despatched the club "a document expressing his desire to leave" on 25 August 2020.[292] The announcement garnered an important media response, including from present and previous teammates (who supported Messi's observation) and Catalan president Quim Torra.[293] On 26 August, Barcelona's wearing director Ramon Planes iterated the club's need to "build a team around the most important player in the world"[294] and affirmed Messi will handiest be able to go away will have to a purchaser pay his €700 million buyout clause; a reported early termination choice available in Messi's contract (which would have allowed him to leave the club for free) could only be exercised if he had communicated his choice to Barcelona by 31 May 2020, even though the player's representatives argued the time limit must be set to 31 August, due to the adjourned 2019–20 season.[295] On 30 August, La Liga issued a observation declaring Messi's contract and buyout clause are nonetheless lively.[296]

On 4 September, Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and agent, launched a observation according to La Liga claiming the discharge clause "is not valid when the termination of the contract is by the player's unilateral decision from the end of the 2019–20 season", as mentioned in Messi's contract with Barcelona;[297] moments later, La Liga issued a reaction reiterating their commentary revealed on 30 August.[298] Later that night time, Messi introduced in an interview with Goal that he would proceed at Barcelona for the final year of his contract. In the interview, Messi claimed to have knowledgeable Barcelona of his need to go away more than one times, and membership president Josep Bartomeu mentioned Messi may make a decision on the end of each season if he may stay or depart, only for Bartomeu to refer to the discharge clause.[299] This left Messi with two options: to stick or cross to court against the membership, with the participant announcing "I would never go to court against the club of my life".[300]

2020–21: Most targets scored for a membership and most appearances for Barcelona

On 27 September, Messi began the 2020–21 season via scoring a penalty in a 4–Zero house win in opposition to Villarreal in La Liga.[301] Two days previous to the hole sport, he again criticised the club, this time for the way of Luis Suárez's departure, pointing out, "at this stage nothing surprises me any more".[302] On 20 October, Messi scored a penalty and assisted the fifth target in a 5–1 house victory against Ferencváros within the Champions League, changing into the 1st player in historical past to score in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons.[303] On 25 November, the Argentine was nominated for the 2020 Best FIFA Men's Player award, and used to be later shortlisted as one of the vital last three applicants.[304][305] On 29 November, Messi scored his side's fourth target in their 4–Zero victory over Osasuna. After scoring, he unveiled a blouse of his former aspect Newell's Old Boys, in tribute to Argentine compatriot Diego Maradona, who had died 4 days earlier, and raised each arms to the display screen showing Maradona's face in the stadium. The shirt was once a number 10 copy of the similar one Maradona had worn all over his stint with the membership in 1993.[306] On 17 December, Messi finished third in The Best FIFA Men's Player award in the back of Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo, and used to be incorporated within the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourteenth consecutive 12 months.[307]

On 23 December, Messi scored his 644th goal for Barcelona against Real Valladolid in La Liga, surpassing Pelé with Santos because the participant with essentially the most goals scored for a unmarried club.[308][309] In order to rejoice his success, Budweiser despatched personalised bottles of beer to each and every goalkeeper whom Messi has scored against.[310] On 17 January 2021, Messi used to be sent off for the 1st time in his club occupation for violent habits (swinging an arm at the head of Asier Villalibre, ignored initially by means of the referee however reviewed by means of VAR) in the last mins of Barcelona's 2–Three time beyond regulation defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the 2020–21 Supercopa de España Final.[311] On 10 March, Messi scored from 35 yards out and later had a penalty stored in a 1–1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in the second leg of the Champions League around of 16 as Barcelona had been eliminated at this degree for the first time in 14 years via an aggregate ranking of 2–Five after having misplaced 1–4 at home on 16 February, with Messi scoring Barcelona's best target in that sport.[312] On 15 March, Messi scored 2 targets and provided an lend a hand in a 4–1 win towards SD Huesca. With the 1st goal, he turned into the first player in soccer historical past to score a minimum of 20 objectives in Thirteen consecutive seasons within the height Five leagues.[313] On 21 March, he surpassed Xavi's record to reach a membership record of 768 appearances, during which he also scored a brace in a 6–1 away win against Real Sociedad.[314] On 17 April, Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 4–Zero in the 2021 Copa del Rey Final. With his second target, he broke Gerd Müller's checklist of 30 plus goals in 12 consecutive membership seasons, atmosphere a brand new checklist of 13. His 35th trophy with Barcelona, Messi also overtook Ryan Giggs as the most decorated footballer for a unmarried membership.[315][316]

International career

2004–05: Success at adolescence stage

As a twin Argentine-Spanish nationwide, Messi used to be eligible to play for the nationwide crew of each countries.[317] Selectors for Spain's Under-17 squad started pursuing him in 2003 after Barcelona's director of soccer, Carles Rexach, alerted the Royal Spanish Football Federation to their young participant. Messi declined the offer, having aspired to constitute La Albiceleste since youth. To further save you Spain from taking him, the Argentine Football Association organised two under-20 friendlies in June 2004, towards Paraguay and Uruguay, with the aim of finalising his standing as an Argentina player in FIFA. Five days after his 17th birthday, on 29 June, he made his debut for his nation in opposition to Paraguay, scoring once and providing two assists in their 8–Zero victory. He used to be due to this fact integrated within the squad for the South American Youth Championship, held in Colombia in February 2005. As he lacked the stamina of his teammates, the results of his former growth hormone deficiency, he used to be used as a substitute in six of the nine games. After being named man of the tournament in opposition to Venezuela, he scored the winning 2–1 target within the an important last tournament against Brazil, thereby securing their third-place qualification for the FIFA World Youth Championship.[318]

Aware of his physical boundaries, Messi employed a personal instructor to extend his muscle groups, returning to the squad in an advanced situation in time for the World Youth Championship, hosted by means of the Netherlands in June 2005. After he used to be omitted of the starting line-up of their first event towards the United States, a 1–0 defeat, the squad's senior gamers asked manager Francisco Ferraro to let Messi get started, as they considered him their supreme player. After helping the crew defeat Egypt and Germany to growth previous the group stage, Messi proved decisive within the knockout phase as he scored their equaliser towards Colombia, equipped a goal and an lend a hand towards title favourites Spain, and scored their opening goal in opposition to reigning champions Brazil. Ahead of the overall, he was awarded the Golden Ball as the finest participant of the tournament. He scored two penalties of their 2–1 victory over Nigeria, clinching Argentina's 5th championship and completing the tournament as top scorer with 6 targets.[319][320] His performances drew comparisons with compatriot Diego Maradona, who had led Argentina to the identify in 1979.[320]

2005–06: Senior and World Cup debuts

In recognition of his achievements with the under-20 side, senior supervisor José Pékerman gave Messi his first call-up for a friendly in opposition to Hungary on 17 August 2005. Aged 18, Messi made his senior debut for Argentina within the Ferenc Puskás Stadium when he came on in the 63rd minute, handiest to be sent off after two minutes for a perceived foul in opposition to Vilmos Vanczák, who had grabbed his shirt; Messi had struck the defender with his arm whilst trying to shake him off, which the referee interpreted as an intentional elbowing, a contentious choice.[321] Messi was reportedly discovered weeping in the dressing room after his sending-off.[322] He returned to the workforce on 3 September of their World Cup qualifier defeat to Paraguay, which he had declared his "re-debut" ahead of the match.[323] Messi began his first recreation in the next qualifying match towards Peru, by which he was once ready to win a crucial penalty that secured their victory. After the match, Pékerman described him as "a jewel".[324] He due to this fact made regular appearances for the staff ahead of Argentina's participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, scoring his first target in a pleasant against Croatia on 1 March 2006.[325] A hamstring harm sustained every week later jeopardised his presence within the World Cup, but he was nonetheless decided on for Pékerman's squad and regained fitness in time for the beginning of the tournament.[326]

During the World Cup in Germany, Messi witnessed their opening match victory towards the Ivory Coast from the substitutes' bench. In the next event, against Serbia and Montenegro, he was the youngest participant to constitute Argentina at a FIFA World Cup when he got here on as an alternative within the 74th minute. He assisted their fourth strike inside mins and scored the general target in their 6–Zero victory, making him the youngest scorer in the match and the sixth-youngest goalscorer within the historical past of the World Cup.[327] As their development to the knockout phase used to be secured, a number of starters were rested all over the last staff tournament. Messi in consequence started the game towards the Netherlands, a zero–0 draw, as they received their staff on goal differential.[328][329] In the round of 16 match towards Mexico, performed on his 19th birthday, Messi got here on within the 84th minute, with the ranking tied at 1–1. He gave the impression to ranking a goal, but it surely was contentiously dominated offside, with the group desiring a overdue target in additional time to continue.[330][331] He did not play in the quarter-final against Germany, throughout which Argentina were eliminated 4–2 in a penalty shootout.[332] Back home, Pékerman's decision to go away him at the bench in opposition to Germany ended in common criticism from those who believed Messi can have modified the result of the event in Argentina's favour.[333][334]

2007–08: Copa América final and Olympic gold Messi evades Brazil's Marcelo within the semi-final of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China

As Messi evolved into one of the vital perfect avid gamers on the planet, he secured a place in Alfio Basile's starting line-up, as part of a staff thought to be favourites to win the 2007 Copa América, held in Venezuela.[63][335] He arrange the game-winning target of their 4–1 victory over the United States within the opening event, ahead of profitable a penalty that resulted in the game-tying first strike in their 4–2 win in the subsequent event towards Colombia.[336][337] As they'd secured their position in the knockout segment, Messi started the following sport at the bench, coming on in the final 25 mins with the ranking at 0–0 to help his crew defeat Paraguay by way of assisting their handiest target. At the quarter-final stage, the place the gang winners faced Peru, he scored the second one goal of a 4–Zero victory that saw them thru to the semi-final, all over which he chipped the ball over Mexico's goalkeeper to ensure another 3–0 win.[335] In a marvel defeat, Argentina misplaced the final 3–Zero to a Brazil squad that lacked a number of of the country's supreme players.[338] Their sudden loss was once followed by a lot grievance in Argentina, although Messi used to be most commonly exempt due to his young age and secondary standing to superstar participant Juan Román Riquelme.[335] He used to be named the finest younger participant of the match via CONMEBOL.[339]

Ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Barcelona legally barred Messi from representing Argentina on the event as it coincided with their Champions League qualifying matches.[340] After interference from newly appointed Barcelona supervisor Pep Guardiola, who had won the tournament in 1992, Messi used to be approved to enroll in Sergio Batista's under-23 squad in Beijing.[341] During the 1st event, he scored the hole target and assisted any other in their 2–1 victory over the Ivory Coast. Following a 1–Zero win within the subsequent group tournament against Australia, ensuring their quarter-final qualification, Messi was rested all over the sport in opposition to Serbia, while his aspect received the event to finish first of their workforce. Against the Netherlands, he once more scored the 1st target and assisted a moment strike to help his group to a 2–1 win in extra time. After a 3–Zero semi-final victory over Brazil, Messi assisted the only goal in the final as Argentina defeated Nigeria to claim Olympic gold medals.[342] Along with Riquelme, Messi was singled out by FIFA because the stand-out participant from the event's perfect staff.[343]

2008–11: Collective decline

From overdue 2008, the national team skilled a three-year duration marked by poor performances.[335] Under manager Diego Maradona, who had led Argentina to World Cup victory as a player, the team struggled to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, securing their position within the tournament best after defeating Uruguay 1–0 of their last qualifying tournament. Maradona used to be criticised for his strategic selections, which included enjoying Messi out of his standard place. In eight qualifying matches beneath Maradona's stewardship, Messi scored only one goal, netting the hole target within the first such match, a 4–Zero victory over Venezuela.[325][344] During that recreation, played on 28 March 2009, he wore Argentina's quantity 10 shirt for the 1st time, following the global retirement of Riquelme.[345] Overall, Messi scored four targets in 18 appearances during the qualifying procedure.[325] Ahead of the tournament, Maradona visited Messi in Barcelona to request his tactical enter; Messi then outlined a 4–3–1–2 formation with himself playing behind the two strikers, a playmaking position referred to as the enganche in Argentine soccer, which have been his most popular position since formative years.[346]

Messi in motion all through the opening tournament in opposition to Bolivia within the 2011 Copa América

Despite their poor qualifying marketing campaign, Argentina have been considered name contenders on the World Cup in South Africa. At the beginning of the event, the brand new formation proved efficient; Messi managed a minimum of 4 makes an attempt on goal throughout their opening match but was many times denied by Nigeria's goalkeeper, leading to a 1–0 win. During the following event, in opposition to South Korea, he excelled in his playmaking position, collaborating in all 4 goals of his facet's 4–1 victory. As their position in the knockout segment was once guaranteed, lots of the starters have been rested right through the ultimate team match, however Messi reportedly refused to be benched.[344] He wore the captain's armband for the first time in their 2–0 win towards Greece; as the focal point in their play, he helped create their moment goal to see Argentina finish as crew winners.[347] In the around of 16, they defeated Mexico 3–1, with Messi aiding their first goal, a controversial strike that stood in spite of being offside.[348]

Argentina had been eradicated in the quarter-final against Germany, at the same degree of the tournament and through the similar opponent as 4 years previous. Their 4–Zero loss used to be their worst margin of defeat at a World Cup since 1974.[348] FIFA due to this fact known Messi as some of the tournament's 10 splendid gamers, mentioning his "outstanding" pace and creativity and "spectacular and efficient" dribbling, capturing and passing.[349] Back house, alternatively, Messi was once the topic of harsher judgement. As the perceived splendid participant on the planet, he had been expected to guide an average workforce to the title, as Maradona arguably did in 1986, but he had failed to duplicate his performances at Barcelona with the nationwide workforce, leading to the accusation that he cared less about his country than his club.[350]

Maradona used to be changed by means of Sergio Batista, who had orchestrated Argentina's Olympic victory. Batista publicly said that he intended to construct the workforce around Messi, employing him as a false nine inside a 4–3–3 device, as used to a lot luck via Barcelona.[350][351] Although Messi scored a record 53 goals all the way through the 2010–11 club season, he had no longer scored for Argentina in an legit tournament since March 2009.[116][325] Despite the tactical change, his target drought continued during the 2011 Copa América, hosted through Argentina. Their first two fits, against Bolivia and Colombia, ended in draws. Media and fans famous that he did not mix well with striker Carlos Tevez, who loved greater reputation a few of the Argentine public; Messi used to be because of this booed by means of his personal crew's supporters for the first time in his profession. During the crucial subsequent match, with Tevez at the bench, he gave a well-received efficiency, aiding two targets of their 3–Zero victory over Costa Rica. After the quarter-final in opposition to Uruguay resulted in a 1–1 draw following overtime, with Messi having assisted their equaliser, Argentina had been eliminated 4–5 within the penalty shootout by means of the eventual champions.[350]

2011–13: Assuming the captaincy Messi scored his first world hat-trick towards Switzerland in February 2012

After Argentina's unsuccessful performance in the Copa América, Batista was replaced via Alejandro Sabella. Upon his appointment in August 2011, Sabella awarded the 24-year-old Messi the captaincy of the squad, in accord with then-captain Javier Mascherano. Reserved by way of nature, Messi went on to guide his squad by example as their preferrred participant, whilst Mascherano continued to fulfil the position of the staff's on-field chief and motivator.[352][353] In a further redesign of the team, Sabella brushed aside Tevez and brought in players with whom Messi had won the World Youth Championship and Olympic Games. Now taking part in in a free role in an bettering staff, Messi ended his target drought via scoring all through their first World Cup qualifying match towards Chile on 7 October, his first authentic target for Argentina in two-and-a-half years.[325][352]

Under Sabella, Messi's goalscoring charge greatly increased; the place he had scored handiest 17 objectives in 61 matches below his earlier managers, he scored 25 times in 32 appearances throughout the following 3 years.[325][352] He netted a total of 12 objectives in 9 video games for Argentina in 2012, equalling the record held by means of Gabriel Batistuta for the most objectives scored in a calendar year for their country.[354] His first hat-trick with the Albicelestes got here in a pleasant towards Switzerland on 29 February 2012, followed via two extra hat-tricks over the following year-and-a-half in friendlies towards Brazil and Guatemala. Messi then helped the workforce secure their position in the 2014 World Cup with a 5–2 victory over Paraguay on 10 September 2013; in addition to providing an assist, he scored twice from a penalty kick, taking his world tally to 37 targets to grow to be Argentina's second-highest goalscorer in the back of Batistuta. Overall, he had scored a complete of 10 goals in 14 matches during the qualifying campaign.[325][355] Concurrently with his bettered performances, his relationship together with his compatriots advanced, as he regularly began to be perceived more favourably in Argentina.[352]

2014–15: World Cup and Copa América finals Messi watches his 25-yard curling strike hit the net towards Iran to win the sport for Argentina in their moment team sport at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, doubts endured over Messi's form, as he completed an unsuccessful and injury-plagued season with Barcelona. At the beginning of the match, alternatively, he gave strong performances, being elected guy of the tournament in their first four fits.[356] In his first World Cup event as captain, he led them to a 2–1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina; he helped create Sead Kolašinac's own goal and scored their moment strike after a dribble previous 3 players, his first World Cup goal since his debut within the match 8 years previous.[357] During the second one match towards Iran, he scored an injury-time target from 25 yards out to finish the game in a 1–Zero win, securing their qualification for the knockout section.[358] He scored twice within the last workforce match, a 3–2 victory over Nigeria, his moment goal from a unfastened kick, as they completed first in their group.[359] Messi assisted a past due target in extra time to ensure a 1–Zero win towards Switzerland within the round of 16, prior to beginning the play that ended in their match-winning 1–0 target in the quarter-final against Belgium, helping Argentina progress to the semi-final of the World Cup for the first time since 1990.[360][361] Following a nil–0 draw in extra time, they eliminated the Netherlands 4–2 in a penalty shootout to succeed in the overall, with Messi scoring his crew's first penalty.[362]

Messi battles Germany's Mats Hummels for the ball all the way through the general of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Billed as Messi as opposed to Germany, the arena's perfect participant in opposition to the finest crew, the general used to be a repeat of the 1990 last featuring Diego Maradona.[363] Within the 1st half-hour, Messi had began the play that led to a target, but it surely used to be ruled offside. He overlooked several alternatives to open the scoring during the tournament, specifically initially of the second one 1/2 when his breakaway effort went huge of the a ways post. Substitute Mario Götze after all scored within the 113th minute, adopted in the ultimate minute of time beyond regulation via a loose kick that Messi sent over the web, as Germany gained the event 1–0 to assert the World Cup.[364] At the conclusion of the final, Messi used to be awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the event. In addition to being the joint third-highest goalscorer, with 4 targets and an lend a hand, he created probably the most chances, completed probably the most dribbling runs, made essentially the most deliveries into the penalty space and produced the most throughballs within the competition.[356][365] However, his variety drew grievance because of his lack of goals in the knockout round; FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed his marvel, whilst Maradona suggested that Messi had undeservedly been chosen for advertising and marketing purposes.[366]

Another last appearance, the third of Messi's senior world occupation, adopted in the 2015 Copa América, held in Chile. Under the stewardship of former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, Argentina entered the match as identify contenders because of their second-place success on the World Cup.[367][368] During the hole tournament against Paraguay, they were forward two objectives by half-time but lost their lead to finish the match in a 2–2 draw; Messi had scored from a penalty kick, netting his most effective target in the event.[369] Following a 1–0 win against protecting champions Uruguay, Messi earned his one hundredth cap for his country within the final team tournament, a 1–Zero win over Jamaica, becoming most effective the fifth Argentine to reach this milestone.[370] In his A hundred appearances, he had scored a total of 46 goals for Argentina, 22 of which came in reliable competitive suits.[325][370]

As Messi advanced from the staff's symbolic captain into a real chief, he led Argentina to the knockout stage as crew winners.[371] In the quarter-final, they created a lot of chances, together with a rebound header through Messi, but have been many times denied through Colombia's goalkeeper, and in the end ended the match scoreless, leading to a 5–4 penalty shootout of their favour, with Messi netting his staff's first spot kick.[372] At the semi-final level, Messi excelled as playmaker as he equipped 3 assists and helped create 3 more goals in his aspect's 6–1 victory over Paraguay, receiving applause from the to start with adverse crowd.[371] Argentina started the final as the odds-on name favourites, however had been defeated via Chile 4–1 in a penalty shootout after an 0–0 extra-time draw. Faced with aggression from opposing gamers, together with taking a boot to the midriff, Messi performed under his requirements, regardless that he was the one Argentine to effectively convert his penalty.[373] At the close of the event, he was once reportedly decided on to receive the Most Valuable Player award but rejected the consideration.[374] As Argentina persisted a trophy drought that began in 1993, the World Cup and Copa América defeats again brought intense criticism for Messi from Argentine media and fans.[375]

2016–17: Third Copa América last, retirement, and return

Messi's position in Argentina's Copa América Centenario squad was first of all put in jeopardy when he sustained a back damage in a 1–Zero pleasant win over Honduras in a pre-Copa América warm-up tournament on 27 May 2016.[376] It was later reported that he had suffered a deep bruise in his lumbar area. He used to be later left on the bench in Argentina's 2–1 opening win over protecting champions Chile on 6 June because of issues referring to his fitness.[377] Although Messi was declared match-fit for his country's second workforce event in opposition to Panama on 10 June, Martino left him on the bench once once more; he changed Augusto Fernández within the 61st minute and therefore scored a hat-trick in 19 mins, additionally beginning the play which led to Sergio Agüero's target, as the tournament resulted in a 5–0 victory, sealing Argentina's place in the quarter-finals of the contest;[378] he used to be elected guy of the event for his performance.[379]

"Did it annoy me that Messi took the record? A little, yes. You go around the world and people say, 'he's the top scorer for the Argentina national team.' But the advantage I have is that I'm second to an extraterrestrial."

– Gabriel Batistuta on the comfort of Messi breaking his checklist.[380]

On 18 June 2016, within the quarter-final of the Copa América in opposition to Venezuela, Messi produced some other guy of the event efficiency,[381] helping two goals and scoring some other in a 4–1 victory, which enabled him to equal Gabriel Batistuta's nationwide list of Fifty four targets in authentic world fits.[382] This checklist was broken 3 days later when Messi scored a free kick in a 4–Zero semi-final win in opposition to hosts the United States; he also assisted two goals during the tournament as Argentina sealed a place in the final of the competition for a moment consecutive year,[383] and used to be named man of the event once once more.[384]

During a repeat of the former yr's last on 26 June, Argentina once once more misplaced to Chile on consequences after a nil–0 impasse, leading to Messi's 0.33 consecutive defeat in a major match final with Argentina, and his fourth total. After the match, Messi, who had missed his penalty within the shootout, introduced his retirement from international soccer.[385] He stated, "I tried my hardest. The team has ended for me, a decision made."[386] Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi stated after the event, "My generation can't compare him to Maradona that's for my generation, because of what Maradona did for Argentine football. But I think the best player ever played today here in the United States."[387] Messi completed the event as the second one absolute best scorer, behind Eduardo Vargas, with 5 objectives, and was the absolute best lend a hand provider with 4 assists, also profitable extra Man of the Match awards than some other player in the tournament (3);[388] he was once named to the crew of the match for his performances, however neglected out on the Golden Ball Award for superb player, which went to Alexis Sánchez.[389]

"Don't go, Leo"

Following his announcement, a marketing campaign began in Argentina for Messi to change his thoughts about retiring.[390] He used to be greeted by way of enthusiasts with indicators like "Don't go, Leo" when the crew landed in Buenos Aires. President of Argentina Mauricio Macri prompt Messi not to give up, stating, "We are lucky, it is one of life's pleasures, it is a gift from God to have the best player in the world in a footballing country like ours... Lionel Messi is the greatest thing we have in Argentina and we must take care of him."[391] Mayor of Buenos Aires Horacio Rodríguez Larreta unveiled a statue of Messi within the capital to persuade him to reconsider retirement.[392] On social networks, NoTeVayasLeo became a world trending subject, and even a playlist on Spotify.[393] The campaign also continued in the streets and avenues of the Argentine capital, with about 50,000 supporters going to the Obelisco de Buenos Aires on 2 July, the use of the similar slogan.[394]

Return "A lot of things went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great."

– Messi reversing his decision from retiring on 12 August 2016[395]

Just every week after Messi introduced his world retirement, Argentine newspaper La Nación reported that he was reconsidering enjoying for Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.[396] On 12 August, it was once confirmed that Messi had reversed his determination to retire from global football, and he was once integrated in the squad for the national staff's upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers.[397] On 1 September 2016, in his first sport back, he scored in a 1–Zero home win over Uruguay in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.[398]

Messi celebrating scoring a hat-trick against Ecuador on 10 October 2017. His goals despatched Argentina thru to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

On 28 March 2017, Messi used to be suspended for four global games for insulting an assistant referee in a recreation towards Chile on 23 March 2017. He used to be additionally fined CHF 10,000.[399][400] On 5 May 2017, Messi's 4 tournament ban in addition to his 10,000 CHF nice was lifted through FIFA after Argentina Football Association appealed in opposition to his suspension, which supposed he may just now play Argentina's closing World Cup Qualifiers.[401] Argentina's place in the 2018 World Cup was once in jeopardy going into their final qualifying event as they had been 6th in their staff, outside the five conceivable CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying spots, which means they risked failing to qualify for the World Cup for the 1st time since 1970. On 10 October 2017, Messi led his nation to World Cup qualification in scoring a hat-trick as Argentina got here from behind to defeat Ecuador 3–1 away; Argentina had not defeated Ecuador in Quito since 2001.[402] Messi's three targets noticed him develop into the joint all-time leading scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 21 goals, alongside Uruguay's Luis Suárez, overtaking the former checklist which was once held through compatriot Hernán Crespo.[402]

2018: World Cup "The squad is the worst in their history. Even having the best player in the world was not capable of creating a competitive team. All the decline of recent times was hidden by this unrivalled genius [Messi]"

– Former Argentine participant Osvaldo Ardiles at the decline in high quality of Argentina being masked via Messi.[403]

Following on from their deficient qualification campaign, salvaged by way of Messi, expectations were not prime going into the 2018 World Cup, with the workforce, without an injured Messi, shedding 6–1 to Spain in March 2018.[404][405] Prior to Argentina's opener, there was speculation within the media over whether or not this might be Messi's final World Cup.[406] In the workforce's opening team match towards Iceland on 16 June, Messi overlooked a possible match-winning penalty in an eventual 1–1 draw.[407] In Argentina's second sport of the 2018 World Cup on 21 June, the staff lost 3–0 to Croatia. Post tournament the Argentina trainer Jorge Sampaoli spoke of the lack of quality within the crew surrounding Messi, "the reality of the Argentina squad clouds his [Messi's] brilliance".[408] Messi had simply Forty nine touches of the ball and most effective two throughout the Croatia penalty space.[409] Sampaoli said, "we quite simply couldn't pass to him to help him generate the situations he is used to. We worked to give him the ball but the opponent also worked hard to prevent him from getting the ball. We lost that battle."[408] Croatia midfielder Luka Modrić also mentioned put up tournament, "Messi is an incredible player but he can't do everything alone."[409]

Messi celebrating a goal in opposition to Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

In Argentina's last crew match towards Nigeria at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on 26 June, Messi scored the outlet target in an eventual 2–1 victory, becoming the third Argentine after Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta to score in three other World Cups; he also was the first player to attain in the World Cup in his teenagers, twenties, and his thirties.[410] A target of the event contender, Messi received a protracted pass from midfield and controlled the ball on the run with two touches prior to putting it across goal into the web together with his weaker right foot.[411][412] Argentina advanced to the second round as group runners-up at the back of Croatia.[413] In the around of 16 tournament towards eventual champions France on 30 June, Messi set up Gabriel Mercado's and Sergio Agüero's goals in a 4–Three defeat, which noticed Argentina eradicated from the World Cup.[414] With his two assists in his group's moment around fixture, Messi became the 1st player to offer an lend a hand within the ultimate 4 World Cups, and also became the first participant to supply two assists in a event for Argentina since Diego Maradona had managed the same feat in opposition to South Korea in 1986.[415][416]

Following the tournament, Messi stated that he would no longer take part in Argentina's friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia in September 2018, and commented that it will be not going that he would constitute his nation for the rest of the calendar yr. Messi's absence from the national crew and his persevered failure to win a title with Argentina induced speculation in the media that Messi might retire from world soccer as soon as once more.[417] In March 2019, then again, he used to be called up to the Argentina squad as soon as again for the team's friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco later that month.[418] He made his international return on 22 March, in a 3–1 pleasant defeat to Venezuela, in Madrid.[419]

2019–present: Copa América third-place

On 21 May 2019, Messi was once incorporated in Lionel Scaloni's last 23-man Argentina squad for the 2019 Copa América.[420] In Argentina's moment crew event of the event on 19 June, Messi scored the equalising goal from the penalty spot in a 1–1 draw against Paraguay.[421] After coming below criticism within the media over his performance following Argentina's 2–Zero victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals at the Maracanã Stadium on 28 June, Messi commented that it had no longer been his preferrred Copa América, while also criticising the poor high quality of the pitches.[422] Following Argentina's 2–0 defeat to hosts Brazil in the semi-finals on 2 July, Messi was crucial of the refereeing during the match.[423] In the third-place tournament towards Chile on 6 July, Messi set-up Agüero's opening target from a unfastened kick in an eventual 2–1 win, to lend a hand Argentina seize the bronze medal; then again, he used to be sent off at the side of Gary Medel in the thirty seventh minute of play, after being concerned with an altercation with the Chilean.[424] Following the event, Messi refused to gather his medal, and implied in a post-match interview that his feedback following the semi-final ended in his sending off.[425] Messi later issued an apology for his comments, but used to be fined 1,500 and was once handed a one-match ban by means of CONMEBOL, which ruled him out of Argentina's next World Cup qualifier.[426] On 2 August, Messi was banned for three months from global soccer and used to be fined ,000 by means of CONMEBOL for his feedback towards the referee's choices; this ban meant he would omit Argentina's friendly fits against Chile, Mexico and Germany in September and October.[427]

On 10 September 2020, Argentina FA announced that Messi's one match suspension used to be lifted and he can be to be had to play the qualifiers subsequent month.[428] On 18 September, Messi was once called up to the Argentina squad for the World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Ecuador and Bolivia in October.[429]

Player profile

Style of play A flexible ahead, Messi has incessantly been deployed within the vintage number 10 position

Due to his short stature, Messi has a decrease centre of gravity than taller gamers, which provides him higher agility, permitting him to switch route more briefly and evade opposing tackles;[430][431] this has led the Spanish media to dub him La Pulga Atómica ("The Atomic Flea").[432][433][434] Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses important upper-body energy, which, blended along with his low centre of gravity and ensuing stability, aids him in withstanding bodily challenges from warring parties; he has because of this been famous for his lack of diving in a game rife with playacting.[19][431][435] His brief, strong legs allow him to excel in brief bursts of acceleration while his quick toes allow him to retain regulate of the ball when dribbling at pace.[436] His former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola as soon as said, "Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it."[48] Although he has advanced his talent with his weaker foot since his mid-20s, Messi is predominantly a left-footed player; with the outdoor of his left foot, he generally starts dribbling runs, whilst he makes use of the inside of his foot to finish and supply passes and assists.[437][438]

Messi getting ready to shoot with his dominant left foot all the way through the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

A prolific goalscorer, Messi is known for his completing, positioning, quick reactions, and talent to make attacking runs to beat the defensive position. He also functions in a playmaking position, courtesy of his imaginative and prescient and range of passing. He has often been described as a conjurer, developing targets and alternatives where reputedly none exist.[439][440][441] Moreover, he's an accurate loose kick and penalty kick taker.[431][442] With his conversion charge from his bending free kicks increasing over the years Messi has evolved into probably the most superb free kick exponents on this planet.[443]

Messi's tempo and technical ability allow him to undertake individual dribbling runs against goal, particularly throughout counterattacks, generally starting from the midway line or the correct side of the pitch.[430][435][442][444] Widely considered to be the best dribbler on the planet,[445] and one of the vital greatest of all time,[446] in regards to this skill, his former Argentina supervisor Diego Maradona has said of him, "The ball stays glued to his foot; I've seen great players in my career, but I've never seen anyone with Messi's ball control."[438] Beyond his person qualities, he's also a well-rounded, hard-working crew player, known for his creative mixtures, specifically with former Barcelona midfielders Xavi and Andrés Iniesta.[430][431]

Messi is understood for dropping deep, linking-up with midfielders, orchestrating his groups attacking performs, and developing chances for different players

Tactically, Messi performs in a unfastened attacking function; a versatile participant, he's capable of attacking on either wing or throughout the centre of the pitch. His favoured place in adolescence used to be the playmaker behind two strikers, known as the enganche in Argentine football, but he began his career in Spain as a left-winger or left-sided ahead.[346] Upon his first-team debut, he was once moved onto the suitable wing by means of supervisor Frank Rijkaard; from this position, he may just more easily reduce throughout the defence into the center of the pitch and curl shots on target together with his left foot, moderately than predominantly go balls for teammates.[48] Under Guardiola and subsequent managers, he most steadily played in a false nine role; situated as a centre-forward or lone striker, he would roam the centre, continuously transferring deep into midfield and drawing defenders with him, to be able to create and exploit spaces for passes, other teammates' attacking runs off the ball, Messi's own dribbling runs, or combinations with Xavi and Iniesta.[26] Under the stewardship of Luis Enrique, Messi to begin with returned to playing in the right-sided position that characterised much of his early occupation within the supervisor's 4–3–Three formation,[176][447] while he used to be more and more deployed in a deeper, unfastened playmaking role in later seasons.[448][449] Under manager Ernesto Valverde, Messi played in a lot of roles. While he every so often persisted to be deployed in a deeper role, from which he may just make runs from at the back of into the box,[450] and even on the right wing[451] or as a false nine,[452][453] he used to be also used in a extra offensive, central position in a 4–2–3–1,[449] or as a second striker in a 4–4–2 formation, the place he was once once more given the licence to drop deep, link-up with midfielders, orchestrate his teams attacking performs, and create chances for his attacking spouse Suárez.[454][455]

As his profession complex, and his tendency to dribble reduced somewhat with age, Messi began to dictate play in deeper spaces of the pitch, and evolved into some of the ideally suited passers and playmakers in soccer historical past.[456][457][458] His work-rate off the ball and defensive tasks also lowered as his occupation stepped forward; by way of overlaying less ground at the pitch, and as a substitute retaining his power for short bursts of speed, he was once ready to give a boost to his efficiency, movement, and positional play, and used to be also in a position to avoid muscular accidents, in spite of incessantly enjoying numerous suits all the way through a particular season on a constant foundation. Indeed, whilst he was injury-prone in his early profession, he was once later in a position to reinforce his injury listing through running less off the ball, and by means of adopting a stricter nutrition, training regime, and sleep time table.[459] With the Argentina national crew, Messi has in a similar fashion played anyplace along the frontline; below quite a lot of managers, he has been hired at the correct wing, as a false nine, as an out-and-out striker, in a supporting role alongside any other ahead, or in a deeper, unfastened ingenious role as a classic quantity 10 playmaker or attacking midfielder behind the strikers.[351][460]

Reception "I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentinian football and his name is Messi."

– Diego Maradona hailing the 18-year-old Messi as his successor in February 2006[70]

A prodigious ability as an adolescent, Messi established himself a number of the international's ideal avid gamers before age 20.[63] Diego Maradona regarded as the 18-year-old Messi the best participant on this planet along Ronaldinho, whilst the Brazilian himself, in a while after winning the Ballon d'Or, commented, "I'm not even the best at Barça", in connection with his protégé.[461][462] Four years later, after Messi had won his first Ballon d'Or by way of a checklist margin,[77] the public debate referring to his qualities as a player moved beyond his status in contemporary football to the chance that he used to be probably the most biggest gamers in historical past.[15][435][463] An early proponent was his then-manager Pep Guardiola, who, as early as August 2009, declared Messi to be the best player he had ever observed.[464] In the next years, this opinion gained larger acceptance amongst pundits, managers, former and current gamers,[118][465] and by the top of Barça's moment treble-winning season, Messi's superiority, forward of Maradona and Pelé, had grow to be the plain view amongst many lovers and pundits in continental Europe.[466][467] A common dismissal, alternatively, has centred on the fact that Messi has no longer received the FIFA World Cup or some other primary trophy with Argentina, main the majority in the game to as a substitute cite him as arguably the best membership player in historical past.[468]

Argentina fans with Messi and Maradona banners on the 2018 World Cup in RussiaThe Sistine Chapel of Football painting (Messi to the left, Maradona to the right), on the ceiling of a sports club, Sportivo Pereyra, in Barracas, Buenos Aires

Throughout his occupation, Messi has been in comparison along with his past due compatriot Diego Maradona, due to their identical playing kinds as diminutive, left-footed dribblers. Initially, he was merely one of the young Argentine players, including his boyhood idol Pablo Aimar, to receive the "New Maradona" moniker, however as his profession improved, Messi proved his similarity beyond all earlier contenders, organising himself as the best participant Argentina had produced since Maradona.[23][344]Jorge Valdano, who received the 1986 World Cup alongside Maradona, said in October 2013, "Messi is Maradona every day. For the last five years, Messi has been the Maradona of the World Cup in Mexico."[469]César Menotti, who as supervisor orchestrated their 1978 World Cup victory, echoed this sentiment when he opined that Messi plays "at the level of the best Maradona".[470] Other notable Argentines within the sport, comparable to Osvaldo Ardiles, Javier Zanetti, and Diego Simeone, have expressed their trust that Messi has overtaken Maradona as the best player in history.[471][472][473]

In Argentine society, Messi is generally held in lesser esteem than Maradona, a result of no longer only his perceived asymmetric performances with the nationwide workforce, but in addition of variations at school, personality, and background. Messi is in many ways the antithesis of his predecessor: where Maradona used to be an extroverted, arguable character who rose to greatness from the slums, Messi is reserved and unassuming, an unremarkable guy outdoor of soccer.[317][474][475] An enduring mark towards him is the truth that, through no fault of his own, he never proved himself in the Argentine Primera División as an upcoming player, attaining stardom out of the country from a young age,[19][317] whilst his lack of outward passion for the Albiceleste blouse (he does not sing the nationwide anthem and is disinclined to emotional shows) have previously led to the false belief that he felt Catalan somewhat than in point of fact Argentine.[350] Despite having lived in Spain since age 13, Messi has mentioned: "Argentina is my country, my family, my way of expressing myself. I would change all my records to make the people in my country happy."[476] Moreover, a number of pundits and footballing figures, together with Maradona, have additionally wondered Messi's management with Argentina from time to time, regardless of his taking part in skill.[477][478][479]

Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo Main article: Messi–Ronaldo competition Messi has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo (left) during a lot in their careers

Among his recent friends, Messi is maximum steadily when compared and contrasted with Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, as part of an ongoing rivalry that has been in comparison to past sports rivalries just like the Muhammad Ali–Joe Frazier competition in boxing, the Björn Borg–John McEnroe competition in tennis, and the Ayrton Senna–Alain Prost rivalry from Formula One motor racing.[480][481]

Although Messi has every now and then denied any rivalry,[482][483] they are broadly believed to push one another in their intention to be the best player on the planet:[164] since 2008, Messi has gained six Ballons d'Or to Ronaldo's 5,[484] six FIFA World's Best Player awards to Ronaldo's five, and 6 European Golden Shoes to Ronaldo's 4.[485] Pundits and fanatics frequently argue the person merits of each gamers;[164][486] beyond their playing types, the controversy additionally revolves round their differing physiques – Ronaldo is

1.87 m (6 feet 1+1⁄2 in) with a muscular build – and contrasting public personalities, with Ronaldo's self-confidence and theatrics a foil to Messi's humility.[487][488][489] From 2009–10 to 2017–18, Messi faced Ronaldo no less than two times every season in El Clásico, which ranks some of the global's most viewed annual sports events.[490] Off the pitch, Ronaldo is his direct competitor with regards to wage, sponsorships, and social media fanbase.[490]

In popular culture

According to France Football, Messi was once the sector's highest-paid footballer for 5 years out of six between 2009 and 2014; he was once the first participant to exceed the €40 million benchmark, with income of €41 million in 2013, and the €50–€60 million points, with income of €65 million in 2014.[169][491] Messi used to be moment on Forbes checklist of the arena's highest-paid athletes (after Cristiano Ronaldo) with source of revenue of .4 million from his wage and endorsements in 2015–16.[492] In 2018 he was the 1st player to exceed the €100m benchmark for a calendar yr, with income of €126m (4m) in blended income from salaries, bonuses and endorsements.[493]Forbes ranked him the world's highest-paid athlete in 2019.[494] Since 2008, he has been Barcelona's highest-paid participant, receiving a wage that larger incrementally from €7.8 million to €13 million over the following five years.[83][84][150] Signing a new Barcelona contract in 2017, he earns 7,000 a week in wages, and Barcelona also paid him .6 million as a signing on bonus.[495] His buyout clause is ready at 5 million (€700 million).[495] In 2020, Messi become the second one footballer (and second athlete in a team sport), after Cristiano Ronaldo, to surpass 1 billion in earnings throughout their careers.[12]

Billboard of Messi in Taipei, Taiwan selling Turkish Airlines

In addition to his salary and bonuses, much of his source of revenue derives from endorsements; SportsPro has because of this cited him as some of the world's most marketable athletes every year since their analysis started in 2010.[496] His main sponsor since 2006 is the sports wear corporate Adidas. As Barcelona's main adolescence prospect, he were signed with Nike since age 14, however transferred to Adidas when they successfully challenged their rival's claim to his image rights in court docket.[497] Over time, Messi established himself as their leading brand endorser;[490] from 2008, he had a long-running signature selection of Adidas F50 boots, and in 2015, he turned into the first footballer to obtain his own sub-brand of Adidas boots, the Adidas Messi.[498][499] Since 2017, Messi has worn the latest model of the Adidas Nemeziz.[500] In 2015, a Barcelona jersey with Messi's identify and number (Messi, 10) used to be the best-selling copy jersey worldwide.[501]

After blessing himself, Messi often celebrates a goal by means of pointing a finger on every hand towards the sky in willpower to his late grandmother.[502] His target celebration options within the FIFA video game series, first showing in FIFA 14

As a industrial entity, Messi's marketing model has been primarily based exclusively on his skills and achievements as a participant, by contrast to arguably more glamorous players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. At the start of his profession, he thus basically held sponsorship contracts with corporations that employ sports-oriented advertising and marketing, similar to Adidas, Pepsi, and Konami.[503][504] From 2010 onwards, at the same time as with his greater achievements as a player, his advertising and marketing enchantment widened, leading to long-term endorsement deals with luxurious brands Dolce & Gabbana and Audemars Piguet.[503][505] Messi is also an international model ambassador for Gillette, Turkish Airlines, Ooredoo, and Tata Motors, amongst other companies.[506][507][508][509] Additionally, Messi was the face of Konami's video game series Pro Evolution Soccer, appearing on the covers of PES 2009, PES 2010, PES 2011 and PES 2020. He subsequently signed with rival corporate EA Sports to become the face of their sequence FIFA and has since gave the impression on four consecutive covers from FIFA Thirteen to FIFA 16.[510][511]

Fans of Messi in India adorned this car

Messi's global recognition and affect are properly documented. He used to be a few of the Time 100, an annual listing of the sector's maximum influential other people as published by Time, in 2011 and 2012.[512][513] His fanbase at the social media web site Facebook is likely one of the biggest of all public figures: inside of seven hours of its launch in April 2011, Messi's Facebook page had nearly seven million followers, and by means of August 2020 he had over 101 million fans, the second easiest for a sportsperson after Cristiano Ronaldo.[514][515] He has over 175 million Instagram followers, the second best for a sportsperson after Cristiano Ronaldo.[516] According to a 2014 survey through sports activities analysis firm Repucom in 15 international markets, Messi was familiar to 87% of respondents world wide, of whom 78% perceived him favourably, making him the second-most recognised participant globally, in the back of Ronaldo, and probably the most likable of all fresh players.[517][518]

Other occasions have illustrated Messi's presence in pop culture. A cast gold reproduction of his left foot, weighing 25 kg (55 lb) and valued at .25 million, went on sale in Japan in March 2013 to boost funds for sufferers of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[519] A 2013 Turkish Airlines commercial starring Messi, by which he engages in a selfie festival with then-Los Angeles Lakers big name Kobe Bryant, was once the most-watched advert on YouTube in the yr of its free up, receiving 137 million views, and was once subsequently voted the finest advertisement of the 2005–15 decade to commemorate YouTube's founding.[520][521]World Press Photo selected "The Final Game", a photograph of Messi facing the World Cup trophy after Argentina's final defeat to Germany, as the finest sports activities symbol of 2014.[522]Messi, a documentary about his lifestyles by means of filmmaker Álex de l. a. Iglesia, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2014.[523] Born in a zoo at Saransk, Mordovia, Russia in late 2015, Messi, a pet cougar who changed into widespread on social media, was named after the player.[524]

Personal lifestyles

Family and relationships

Since 2008, Messi has been in a dating with Antonella Roccuzzo, a fellow local of Rosario.[525] He has recognized Roccuzzo since he used to be five years outdated, as she is the cousin of his perfect buddy since early life, Lucas Scaglia, who is also a soccer player.[526] After keeping their dating personal for a year, Messi first showed their romance in an interview in January 2009, before going public a month later all through a carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona–Espanyol derby.

"Leo is not shy. He's introverted. He's reserved."

– Endocrinologist Dr. Diego Schwarzstein addressed Messi's expansion hormone deficiency from 1997 to 2001. According to Bleacher Report's Richard Fitzpatrick, "Schwarzstein and Messi built up a close relationship during more than four years of treatment."[527]

Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015) and Ciro (born 2018). To rejoice his spouse's first pregnancy, Messi placed the ball beneath his blouse after scoring in Argentina's 4–Zero win against Ecuador on 2 June 2012, earlier than confirming the being pregnant in an interview two weeks later.[528] Thiago was born in Barcelona on 2 November 2012, with Messi attending the start after being given permission via Barcelona to miss coaching. He announced his son's arrival on his Facebook web page, writing, "Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift!"[529] Thiago's title and handprints are tattooed on his left calf.[153] In April 2015, Messi confirmed on Facebook that they have been anticipating any other kid.[530] He overlooked training forward of a match in opposition to Atlético Madrid to wait the beginning of his second son, Mateo, on 11 September 2015 in Barcelona.[531] On 30 June 2017, he married Roccuzzo at a luxurious resort named Hotel City Center in Rosario with about 260 guests attending his marriage ceremony.[532] On 15 October 2017, his wife announced they have been expecting their 0.33 kid in an Instagram publish, with the words "Family of 5".[533][534] On 10 March 2018, Messi skipped the event towards Málaga after Ciro was born.[535]

Messi enjoys a close dating along with his instant members of the family, specifically his mother, Celia, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder. His skilled affairs are in large part run as a circle of relatives trade: his father, Jorge, has been his agent since he was 14, and his oldest brother, Rodrigo, handles his day-to-day time table and exposure. His mom and different brother, Matías, set up his charitable group, the Leo Messi Foundation, and maintain personal and professional issues in Rosario.[536]

Since leaving for Spain at age 13, Messi has maintained shut ties to his fatherland of Rosario, even conserving his distinct Rosarino accent. He has kept ownership of his family's previous space, even supposing it has long stood empty; he maintains a penthouse condo in an exclusive residential construction for his mom, as well as a circle of relatives compound just out of doors the town. Once when he used to be in training with the nationwide group in Buenos Aires, he made a three-hour commute via automotive to Rosario in an instant after apply to have dinner together with his circle of relatives, spent the night with them, and returned to Buenos Aires the next day in time for practice. Messi keeps in day by day touch via telephone and text with a small workforce of confidants in Rosario, maximum of whom were fellow individuals of "The Machine of '87" at Newell's Old Boys. He currently lives in Castelldefels, a village close to Barcelona. Although regarded as a one-club man, he has lengthy planned to go back to Rosario to finish his taking part in profession at Newell's. He was on unhealthy phrases with the club after his transfer to Barcelona, however by means of 2012 their public feud had ended, with Newell's embracing their ties with Messi, even issuing a club club card to his newborn son.[19][537][538]

According to a genealogical research performed by means of Diari Segre in 2011, Messi is a fourth cousin of former teammate Bojan Krkić.[539] The discovering had a very vital protection in Spanish media: it was reported by way of all four main sports newspapers[540][541][542][543] and by way of probably the most biggest general-interest newspapers, including ABC and La Vanguardia.[544][545][546]

Philanthropy

Throughout his profession, Messi has been all in favour of charitable efforts aimed toward inclined children, a dedication that stems partially from the clinical difficulties he faced in his personal formative years. Since 2004, he has contributed his time and price range to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), an organisation with which Barcelona also have a strong affiliation.[547][548] Messi has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since his appointment in March 2010, completing his first field project for the organisation 4 months later as he travelled to Haiti to deliver public consciousness to the plight of the country's kids within the wake of the hot earthquake. He has since participated in UNICEF campaigns concentrated on HIV prevention, schooling, and the social inclusion of disabled youngsters.[549] To celebrate his son's first birthday, in November 2013, Messi and Thiago had been part of a publicity marketing campaign to raise awareness of mortality charges amongst deprived children.[550]

Messi (pictured in 2007) has worked with UNICEF since 2004 and has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 2010

In addition to his work with UNICEF, Messi founded his own charitable organisation, the Leo Messi Foundation, which helps access to health care, schooling, and recreation for kids.[551] It used to be established in 2007 following a talk over with Messi paid to a clinic for terminally ill children in Boston, an revel in that resonated with him to the point that he decided to reinvest a part of his earnings into society.[537] Through his foundation, Messi has awarded research grants, financed scientific training, and invested within the building of medical centres and projects in Argentina, Spain, and in different places on the earth.[537][552] In addition to his personal fundraising activities, similar to his global "Messi and Friends" soccer fits, his foundation receives monetary support from more than a few companies to which he has assigned his identify in endorsement agreements, with Adidas as their major sponsor.[553][554]

Messi has also invested in adolescence football in Argentina: he financially helps Sarmiento, a soccer club based in the Rosario neighbourhood where he used to be born, committing in 2013 to the refurbishment in their amenities and the set up of all-weather pitches, and budget the control of several formative years avid gamers at Newell's Old Boys and rival membership Rosario Central, in addition to at River Plate and Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires.[537] At Newell's Old Boys, his boyhood club, he funded the 2012 construction of a brand new fitness center and a dormitory within the club's stadium for their youth academy. His former early life trainer at Newell's, Ernesto Vecchio, is employed by way of the Leo Messi Foundation as a talent scout for younger avid gamers.[19] On 7 June 2016, Messi gained a libel case against La Razón newspaper and was awarded €65,000 in damages, which he donated to the charity Médecins Sans Frontières.[555] Messi made a donation price €1 million (1.1 million) to combat the unfold of coronavirus.[556] This used to be split between Clinic Barcelona hospital in Barcelona, Spain and his native Argentina.[557] In addition to this, Messi along side his fellow FC Barcelona teammates introduced he will be taking a 70% cut in salaries all over the 2020 coronavirus emergency, and contribute further to the club to provide fully to salaries of all the clubs staff.[558]

In November 2016, with the Argentine Football Association being run via a FIFA committee for emergency because of an economic crisis, it used to be reported that three of the national staff's security team of workers told Messi that they had no longer received their salaries for 6 months. He stepped in and paid the salaries of the 3 contributors.[559][560] In February 2021, Messi donated his Adidas shoes to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya which he wore when he scored his 644th target for Barcelona and broke Pelé's list for most objectives scored for a unmarried membership, with the shoes being later auctioned off in April by means of the museum for charity to lend a hand youngsters with cancer.[561]

In advance of the 2021 Copa América in Uruguay, Messi donated three signed shirts to the Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech—whose administrators spoke of their admiration for Messi—to be able to safe 50,000 doses of Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac, in the hope of vaccinating all of South America's football avid gamers.[562] A deal brokered by way of Uruguay's president Luis Lacalle Pou, the plan to prioritise soccer gamers brought about some controversy given common vaccine shortage in the area, with the Mayor of Canelones in Uruguay remarking that "Just as the president manifested cooperation with CONMEBOL to vaccinate for the Copa América, he could just as well have the same consideration for Canelones".[562]

Tax fraud

Messi's monetary affairs came under investigation in 2013 for suspected tax evasion. Offshore companies in tax havens Uruguay and Belize were used to evade €4.1 million in taxes related to sponsorship profits between 2007 and 2009. An unrelated shell company in Panama arrange in 2012 was once due to this fact identified as belonging to the Messis within the Panama Papers data leak. Messi, who pleaded lack of expertise of the alleged scheme, voluntarily paid arrears of €5.1 million in August 2013. On 6 July 2016, Messi and his father were each discovered responsible of tax fraud and had been handed suspended 21-month jail sentences and respectively ordered to pay €1.7 million and €1.4 million in fines.[563] Facing the judge, he said, "I just played football. I signed the contracts because I trusted my dad and the lawyers and we had decided that they would take charge of those things."[564]

Career statistics

Club As of eleven May 2021Appearances and objectives by club, season and festival Club Season League Copa del Rey Champions League Other Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Barcelona C 2003–04[565] Tercera División 10 5 — — — 10 5 Barcelona B 2003–04[45] Segunda División B 5 0 — — — 5 0 2004–05[46] 17 6 — — — 17 6 Total 32 11 — — — 32 11 Barcelona 2004–05[46] La Liga 7 1 1 0 1 0 — 9 1 2005–06[60] 17 6 2 1 6 1 0 0 25 8 2006–07[64] 26 14 2 2 5 1 3[a] 0 36 17 2007–08[79] 28 10 3 0 9 6 — 40 16 2008–09[87] 31 23 8 6 12 9 — 51 38 2009–10[100] 35 34 3 1 11 8 4[b] 4 53 47 2010–11[116] 33 31 7 7 13 12 2[c] 3 55 53 2011–12[121] 37 50 7 3 11 14 5[d] 6 60 73 2012–13[160] 32 46 5 4 11 8 2[c] 2 50 60 2013–14[167] 31 28 6 5 7 8 2[c] 0 46 41 2014–15[566] 38 43 6 5 13 10 — 57 58 2015–16[567] 33 26 5 5 7 6 4[e] 4 49 41 2016–17[568] 34 37 7 5 9 11 2[c] 1 52 54 2017–18[569] 36 34 6 4 10 6 2[c] 1 54 45 2018–19[570] 34 36 5 3 10 12 1[c] 0 50 51 2019–20[571] 33 25 2 2 8 3 1[c] 1 44 31 2020–21[572] 34 29 5 3 6 5 1[c] 0 46 37 Total 519 473 80 56 149 120 29 22 777 671 Career overall 551 484 80 56 149 120 29 22 809 682 ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in Supercopa de España ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance and two targets in Supercopa de España, two appearances and two targets in FIFA Club World Cup ^ a b c d e f g h Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España ^ One appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and 3 targets in Supercopa de España, two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup ^ One appearance and two goals in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and one target in Supercopa de España, one look and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup International See also: List of global objectives scored by Lionel Messi As of 17 November 2020Appearances and objectives via national workforce, yr and pageant Team Year Competitive Friendly Total Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Argentina U20[318][319] 2004 — 2 3 2 3 2005 16[a] 11 — 16 11 Total 16 11 2 3 18 14 Argentina U23[342] 2008 5[b] 2 — 5[α] 2 Argentina[325][573] 2005 3[c] 0 2 0 5 0 2006 3[d] 1 4 1 7 2 2007 10[e] 4 4 2 14 6 2008 6[c] 1 2 1 8 2 2009 8[c] 1 2 2 10 3 2010 5[d] 0 5 2 10 2 2011 8[f] 2 5 2 13 4 2012 5[c] 5 4 7 9 12 2013 5[c] 3 2 3 7 6 2014 7[d] 4 7 4 14 8 2015 6[g] 1 2 3 8 4 2016 10[h] 8 1 0 11 8 2017 5[c] 4 2 0 7 4 2018 4[d] 1 1 3 5 4 2019 6[g] 1 4 4 10 5 2020 4[c] 1 0 0 4 1 Total 95 37 47 34 142 71 Career general 116 50 49 37 165 87 ^ Nine appearances and 5 targets within the 2005 South American U-20 Championship, seven appearances and six goals within the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship ^ Appearances in Summer Olympics ^ a b c d e f g Appearance(s) in FIFA World Cup qualification ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in FIFA World Cup ^ Six appearances and two targets in Copa América, four appearances and two goals in FIFA World Cup qualification ^ Four appearances in Copa América, four appearances and two targets in FIFA World Cup qualification ^ a b Appearance(s) in Copa América ^ Five appearances and three goals in FIFA World Cup qualification, 5 appearances and 5 goals in Copa América Centenario

Honours

For a complete listing of Messi's achievements, see List of career achievements by means of Lionel Messi. Club

Barcelona[574]

La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19 Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21 Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018 UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15 UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015 FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015International

Argentina U20

FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005

Argentina Olympic workforce

Summer Olympics: 2008Individual Messi (left) with the Golden Ball award, shaking hands with long term teammate Neymar (Bronze Ball winner) after the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final. Ballon d'Or/FIFA Ballon d'Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019[278][575][576] FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014[577] FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009[576] The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2019[270] European Golden Shoe: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19[159][226][242][263] Copa América Golden Ball: 2015[578][579][580][581] UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award: 2011, 2015[194] UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2009[582] UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2009, 2019[582] La Liga Best Player: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15[583][584][585] La Liga Best Forward: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16[583][584][585][586] Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano (preferrred participant in Spain): 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19[587] Pichichi Trophy: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20[588][589][590] FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011[591] FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2015[592] FIFA Club World Cup Final Most Valuable Player: 2009, 2011[591] FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball: 2005[593] FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Shoe: 2005[593] IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019[594] IFFHS World's Best Playmaker of the Decade: 2011–2020[595] IFFHS All Time World's Best Playmaker: 2006–2020[596] IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer: 2011, 2012[597] IFFHS World's Best Top Goal Scorer: 2012, 2016[598] IFFHS World's Best Top Division Goal Scorer: 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018[599] IFFHS World's Best National Goal Scorer of the Decade: 2011–2020[600] IFFHS World's Best Man Player of the Decade 2011–2020[601] IFFHS The Best Man CONMEBOL Player of the Decade: 2011–2020[602] IFFHS The Best Man CONMEBOL Player: 2020[603] Olimpia de Plata (Argentine Footballer of the Year): 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019[583][604][605][606] Copa América Best Young Player: 2007[607] FIFPro Young World Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008[607] Golden Boy (Young Footballer of the Year in Europe): 2005[59] FIFA FIFPro World11: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020[607][608][609][610][611][612][613] IFFHS World's Team of the Year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 IFFHS World Team of the Decade 2011–2020[614] IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the Year: 2020[615] IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the Decade 2011–2020[616] UEFA Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020[582][617][618][619][620][621] UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year[622] FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014[623] Copa América Dream Team: 2007, 2011, 2015, 2016[624][625][626][389] Argentine Football Assn. Team of All Time (published 2015)[627] Argentine Sportsman of the Decade 2011-2020: 2021[628] L'Équipe Champion of Champions: 2011[629][630] World Soccer Greatest XI of All Time: 2013[631] Ballon d'Or Dream Team: 2020[632] Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2020[633] Champion for Peace and Sport: 2020[634]

See also

List of one-club males in association football List of fellows's footballers with 50 or extra global goals List of footballers with 100 or extra caps List of fellows's footballers with 500 or extra objectives Football data and statistics in Spain UEFA membership competition information and statistics FIFA World Cup awards

Notes

^ In isolation, Andrés is pronounced [anˈdɾes]. Cuccittini is pronounced [kut.tʃitˈtini] in Italian. ^ According to his membership's reputable web page, FCBarcelona.com, and his approved biography, Messi via Guillem Balagué, his surname is the only "Messi", based on Argentine customs.[3][5] Other sources, together with a 2014 file by means of FIFA, give his surname as the double "Messi Cuccittini".[6] After successful a libel case in 2017, Messi's personal control corporate said: "The football player Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini has donated a total of €72,783.20 to the organisation Doctors Without Borders."[7] ^ In addition to 4 FIFA Ballons d'Or, Messi acquired France Football's Ballon d'Or and FIFA's World Player of the Year award in 2009 prior to their incorporation; each organisations credited him with 5 (FIFA) Ballons d'Or.[8][9] In 2019 he acquired a sixth Ballon d'Or, as well as winning the Best FIFA Men's Player. ^ Assist statistics began in 1990. ^ a b Does no longer include an look for Argentina U23 towards the unofficial Catalonia group in May 2008.[4]

References

^ .mw-parser-output cite.citationfont-style:inherit.mw-parser-output .quotation qquotes:"\"""\"""'""'".mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .quotation .cs1-lock-free abackground:linear-gradient(clear,clear),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")appropriate 0.1em center/9px no-repeat.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .quotation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration abackground:linear-gradient(transparent,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")correct 0.1em middle/9px no-repeat.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .quotation .cs1-lock-subscription abackground:linear-gradient(clear,transparent),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em middle/9px no-repeat.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registrationcolour:#555.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration spanborder-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon abackground:linear-gradient(clear,clear),url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em middle/12px no-repeat.mw-parser-output code.cs1-codecolor:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-errorshow:none;font-size:100%.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-errorfont-size:100%.mw-parser-output .cs1-maintdisplay:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em.mw-parser-output .cs1-formatfont-size:95%.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-leftpadding-left:0.2em.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-rightpadding-right:0.2em.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflinkfont-weight:inherit"FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Argentina" (PDF). 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Retrieved 1 January 2021. ^ "Premios Olimpia 2015: La Judoca Paula Pareto se Llevó el Oro y los de Plata Fueron Para Messi, Marco Ruben, Andrés Nocioni y Adolfo Cambiaso" [Olympia Awards 2015: The Judoca Paula Pareto Took the Gold and Silver Was for Messi, Marco Ruben, Andrés Nocioni and Adolfo Cambiaso] (in Spanish). LRA Radio Nacional. 23 December 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2016. ^ "Los Ganadores de Olimpia de Plata en Cada Deporte, con los Medallistas Dorados de Río entre los Destacados" [The Winners of the Silver Olimpia in Each Sport, with the Gold Medalists of Río some of the Highlights]. La Nacion (in Spanish). 20 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016. ^ "Delfina Pignatiello se quedó con el Olimpia de Oro". TN (in Spanish). Buenos Aires. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018. ^ a b c Caioli 2012, p. 248. ^ "FIFPro and FIFA Present the 2015 World XI". FIFPro. 11 January 2016. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. 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L'Orient-Le Jour. 27 December 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2020. ^ "The Greatest: - how the panel voted". World Soccer. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2020. ^ Crépin, Timothé (14 December 2020). "Ballon d'Or Dream Team : Découvrez les révélations de ce onze de légende !". France Football (in French). Retrieved 14 December 2020. ^ "Messi wins the Laureus award for 'Best Sportsman of the Year'". FC Barcelona. Retrieved 17 February 2020. ^ "Lionel Messi, Champion for Peace of the Year I Peace and Sport Awards 2020". Retrieved 20 December 2020.

Bibliography

Balagué, Guillem (2013). Messi. Orion Books. ISBN 978-1-4091-4659-9. Caioli, Luca (2012). Messi: The Inside Story of the Boy Who Became a Legend. Corinthian Books. ISBN 978-1-906850-40-1. Caioli, Luca (2015). Messi: More than a Superstar. Icon Books. ISBN 978-1-906850-91-3. Guinness World Records 2015. Guinness World Records. 2014. ISBN 978-1-908843-65-4. Hunter, Graham (2012). Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team within the World. BackPage Press. ISBN 978-0-9564971-8-5. Lisi, Clemente Angelo (2011). A History of the World Cup: 1930–2010. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-7754-2. Tomkins, Paul (2007). Above Us Only Sky: Liverpool FC's Global Revolution. Anchor Print Group. ISBN 978-0-9556367-0-7.

External links

Lionel Messiat Wikipedia's sister projectsMedia from Wikimedia CommonsNews from WikinewsQuotations from WikiquoteResources from Wikiversity Official website Profile at FC Barcelona Profile at La Liga Lionel Messi at ESPN FC Lionel Messi at BDFutbol Lionel Messi at Soccerbase Lionel Messi at National-Football-Teams.com Lionel Messi – FIFA competition checklist Lionel Messi – UEFA pageant checklist vteFC Barcelona – current squad 1 Ter Stegen 2 Dest 3 Piqué 4 Araújo 5 Busquets 7 Griezmann 8 Pjanić 9 Braithwaite 10 Messi (c) 11 Dembélé 12 Puig 13 Neto 14 Coutinho 15 Lenglet 16 Pedri 17 Trincão 18 Alba 19 Matheus 20 Roberto 21 De Jong 22 Fati 23 Umtiti 24 Firpo Coach: Koeman Argentina squads vteArgentina squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup 1 Abbondanzieri 2 Ayala 3 Sorín (c) 4 Coloccini 5 Cambiasso 6 Heinze 7 Saviola 8 Mascherano 9 Crespo 10 Riquelme 11 Tevez 12 Franco 13 Scaloni 14 Palacio 15 Milito 16 Aimar 17 Cufré 18 Rodríguez 19 Messi 20 Cruz 21 Burdisso 22 González 23 Ustari Coach: Pékerman vteArgentina squad – 2007 Copa América runners-up 1 Abbondanzieri 2 Ayala (c) 3 Díaz 4 Ibarra 5 Gago 6 Heinze 7 Palacio 8 Zanetti 9 Crespo 10 Riquelme 11 Tevez 12 Carrizo 13 González 14 Mascherano 15 G. Milito 16 Aimar 17 Burdisso 18 Messi 19 Cambiasso 20 Verón 21 D. Milito 22 Orión Coach: Basile vteArgentina men's soccer squad – 2008 Summer Olympics – Gold medalists 1 Ustari 2 Garay 3 Monzón 4 Zabaleta 5 Gago 6 Fazio 7 Sosa 8 Banega 9 Lavezzi 10 Riquelme 11 Di María 12 Pareja 13 Acosta 14 Mascherano 15 Messi 16 Agüero 17 Buonanotte 18 Romero 22 Navarro Coach: Batista vteArgentina squad – 2010 FIFA World Cup 1 Pozo 2 Demichelis 3 C. Rodríguez 4 Burdisso 5 Bolatti 6 Heinze 7 Di María 8 Verón 9 Higuaín 10 Messi 11 Tevez 12 Garcé 13 Samuel 14 Mascherano (c) 15 Otamendi 16 Agüero 17 Gutiérrez 18 Palermo 19 Milito 20 M. Rodríguez 21 Andújar 22 Romero 23 Pastore Coach: Maradona vteArgentina squad – 2011 Copa América 1 Carrizo 2 Garay 3 Zabaleta 4 Burdisso 5 Cambiasso 6 G. Milito 7 Di María 8 Zanetti 9 Higuaín 10 Messi 11 Tevez 12 Andújar 13 Pareja 14 Mascherano (c) 15 Biglia 16 Agüero 17 Rojo 18 Pastore 19 Banega 20 Gago 21 Lavezzi 22 D. Milito 23 Romero Coach: Batista vteArgentina squad – 2014 FIFA World Cup runners-up 1 Romero 2 Garay 3 Campagnaro 4 Zabaleta 5 Gago 6 Biglia 7 Di María 8 Pérez 9 Higuaín 10 Messi (c) 11 M. Rodríguez 12 Orión 13 A. Fernández 14 Mascherano 15 Demichelis 16 Rojo 17 F. Fernández 18 Palacio 19 Álvarez 20 Agüero 21 Andújar 22 Lavezzi 23 Basanta Coach: Sabella vteArgentina squad – 2015 Copa América runners-up 1 Romero 2 Garay 3 Roncaglia 4 Zabaleta 5 Gago 6 Biglia 7 Di María 8 Pereyra 9 Higuaín 10 Messi (c) 11 Agüero 12 Guzmán 13 Casco 14 Mascherano 15 Demichelis 16 Rojo 17 Otamendi 18 Tevez 19 Banega 20 Lamela 21 Pastore 22 Lavezzi 23 Andújar (Marchesín) Coach: Martino vteArgentina squad – 2016 Copa América Centenario runners-up 1 Romero 2 Maidana 3 Roncaglia 4 Mercado 5 Kranevitter 6 Biglia 7 Di María 8 Fernández 9 Higuaín 10 Messi (c) 11 Agüero 12 Guzmán 13 Funes Mori 14 Mascherano 15 Cuesta 16 Rojo 17 Otamendi 18 Lamela 19 Banega 20 Gaitán 21 Pastore 22 Lavezzi 23 Andújar Coach: Martino vteArgentina squad – 2018 FIFA World Cup 1 Guzmán 2 Mercado 3 Tagliafico 4 Ansaldi 5 Biglia 6 Fazio 7 Banega 8 Acuña 9 Higuaín 10 Messi (c) 11 Di María 12 Armani 13 Meza 14 Mascherano 15 Pérez 16 Rojo 17 Otamendi 18 Salvio 19 Agüero 20 Lo Celso 21 Dybala 22 Pavón 23 Caballero Coach: Sampaoli vteArgentina squad – 2019 Copa América 0.33 position 1 Armani 2 Foyth 3 Tagliafico 4 Saravia 5 Paredes 6 Pezzella 7 Pereyra 8 Acuña 9 Agüero 10 Messi (c) 11 Di María 12 Marchesín 13 Funes Mori 14 Casco 15 Pizarro 16 De Paul 17 Otamendi 18 Rodríguez 19 Suárez 20 Lo Celso 21 Dybala 22 Martínez 23 Musso Coach: Scaloni Awards vte2014 FIFA World Cup Team of the TournamentStatistical TeamGoalkeeper Manuel NeuerDefenders Marcos Rojo Mats Hummels Thiago Silva Stefan de VrijMidfielders Oscar James Rodríguez Toni Kroos Philipp LahmForwards Thomas Müller Arjen RobbenFans' TeamGoalkeeper Manuel NeuerDefenders David Luiz Mats Hummels Thiago Silva MarceloMidfielders Ángel Di María James Rodríguez Toni KroosForwards Lionel Messi Thomas Müller NeymarCoach Joachim Löw vte2007 Copa América Team of the TournamentGoalkeeper DoniDefenders Javier Zanetti Jonny Magallón Juan Jorge FucileMidfielders Júlio Baptista Javier Mascherano Juan Román RiquelmeForwards Robinho Nery Castillo Lionel Messi vte2011 Copa América Team of the TournamentGoalkeeper Renny VegaDefenders Luis Amaranto Perea Diego Lugano Paulo da SilvaMidfielders Javier Mascherano Fredy Guarín Álvaro Pereira Carlos LobatónForwards Lionel Messi Luis Suárez Paolo GuerreroCoach Óscar Tabárez vte2015 Copa América Team of the TournamentGoalkeeper Claudio BravoDefenders Jeison Murillo Gary Medel Nicolás OtamendiMidfielders Christian Cueva Marcelo Díaz Javier Mascherano Arturo VidalForwards Eduardo Vargas Paolo Guerrero Lionel MessiCoach Jorge Sampaoli vteCopa América Centenario Team of the TournamentGoalkeeper Claudio BravoDefenders Mauricio Isla Nicolás Otamendi Gary Medel Jean BeausejourMidfielders Javier Mascherano Arturo Vidal Charles AránguizForwards Eduardo Vargas Alexis Sánchez Lionel Messi vteFIFA World Cup · Golden Ball 1982: Rossi 1986: Maradona 1990: Schillaci 1994: Romário 1998: Ronaldo 2002: Kahn 2006: Zidane 2010: Forlán 2014: Messi 2018: ModrićGolden Ball used to be first awarded in 1982, and former winners are unsure. vteFIFA U-20 World Cup awardsGolden Ball 1977: Bessonov 1979: Maradona 1981: Gabor 1983: Geovani 1985: Silas 1987: Prosinečki 1989: Bismarck 1991: Peixe 1993: Adriano 1995: Caio 1997: Olivera 1999: Keïta 2001: Saviola 2003: Matar 2005: Messi 2007: Agüero 2009: Adiyiah 2011: Henrique 2013: Pogba 2015: Traoré 2017: Solanke 2019: LeeGolden Boot 1977: Guina 1979: Díaz 1981: Koussas 1983: Geovani 1985: Losada 1987: Witeczek 1989: Salenko 1991: Scherbakov 1993: Zambrano 1995: Etxeberria 1997: Adaílton 1999: Couñago 2001: Saviola 2003: Johnson 2005: Messi 2007: Agüero 2009: Adiyiah 2011: Henrique 2013: Assifuah 2015: Kovalenko 2017: Orsolini 2019: HaalandGolden Gloves 2009: Alvarado 2011: Mika 2013: De Amores 2015: Rajković 2017: Woodman 2019: Lunin vteBallon d'Or France Football magazine awardBallon d'Or (1956–2009) 1956: Matthews 1957: Di Stéfano 1958: Kopa 1959: Di Stéfano 1960: Suárez 1961: Sívori 1962: Masopust 1963: Yashin 1964: Law 1965: Eusébio 1966: Charlton 1967: Albert 1968: Best 1969: Rivera 1970: Müller 1971: Cruyff 1972: Beckenbauer 1973: Cruyff 1974: Cruyff 1975: Blokhin 1976: Beckenbauer 1977: Simonsen 1978: Keegan 1979: Keegan 1980: Rummenigge 1981: Rummenigge 1982: Rossi 1983: Platini 1984: Platini 1985: Platini 1986: Belanov 1987: Gullit 1988: Van Basten 1989: Van Basten 1990: Matthäus 1991: Papin 1992: Van Basten 1993: Baggio 1994: Stoichkov 1995: Weah 1996: Sammer 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Zidane 1999: Rivaldo 2000: Figo 2001: Owen 2002: Ronaldo 2003: Nedvěd 2004: Shevchenko 2005: Ronaldinho 2006: Cannavaro 2007: Kaká 2008: C. Ronaldo 2009: MessiFIFA Ballon d'Or (2010–2015) 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: MessiBallon d'Or (2016–present) 2016: C. Ronaldo 2017: C. Ronaldo 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: now not awarded 2021: FIFA World Player of the Year (1991–2009) FIFA Ballon d'Or (2010–2015) The Best FIFA Men's Player (2016–provide) Ballon d'Or Féminin (2018–present) Yashin Trophy (2019–present) vteFIFA Player of the YearFIFA World Player of the Year 1991: Matthäus 1992: Van Basten 1993: Baggio 1994: Romário 1995: Weah 1996: Ronaldo 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Zidane 1999: Rivaldo 2000: Zidane 2001: Figo 2002: Ronaldo 2003: Zidane 2004: Ronaldinho 2005: Ronaldinho 2006: Cannavaro 2007: Kaká 2008: C. Ronaldo 2009: MessiFIFA Ballon d'Or 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: MessiThe Best FIFA Men's Player 2016: C. Ronaldo 2017: C. Ronaldo 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: Lewandowski See also: Ballon d'Or vteWorld Soccer Player of the YearMen's 1982: Rossi 1983: Zico 1984: Platini 1985: Platini 1986: Maradona 1987: Gullit 1988: Van Basten 1989: Gullit 1990: Matthäus 1991: Papin 1992: Van Basten 1993: Baggio 1994: Maldini 1995: Vialli 1996: Ronaldo 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Zidane 1999: Rivaldo 2000: Figo 2001: Owen 2002: Ronaldo 2003: Nedvěd 2004: Ronaldinho 2005: Ronaldinho 2006: Cannavaro 2007: Kaká 2008: C. Ronaldo 2009: Messi 2010: Xavi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: C. Ronaldo 2017: C. Ronaldo 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: LewandowskiWomen's 2020: Harder vteFourFourTwo Player of the year 2007: Kaká 2008: Ronaldo 2009: Messi 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: Ronaldo 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Messi 2018: Messi 2019: Messi 2020: Lewandowski vteGoal 50 Best Player 2007–08: C. Ronaldo 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Sneijder 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: C. Ronaldo 2012–13: Messi 2013–14: C. Ronaldo 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: C. Ronaldo 2016–17: C. Ronaldo 2017–18: Modrić 2018–19: Van Dijk 2019–20: Lewandowski vteGlobe Soccer Awards Best Player 2011: Ronaldo 2012: Falcao 2013: Ribéry 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Ronaldo 2018: Ronaldo 2019: Ronaldo 2020: Lewandowski vteGuardian 100 Best Male Footballers In The World 2012: Messi 2013: Messi 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Messi 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: Lewandowski vteIFFHS World's Best Playmaker 2006: Zidane 2007: Kaká 2008: Xavi 2009: Xavi 2010: Xavi 2011: Xavi 2012: Iniesta 2013: Iniesta 2014: Kroos 2015: Messi 2016: Messi 2017: Messi 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: De Bruyne vteIFFHS World's Best Top Goal Scorer 2011: C. Ronaldo 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: C. Ronaldo 2016: Messi 2017: Kane 2018: Bounedjah 2019: Hamdallah 2020: Lewandowski vteIFFHS World's Best International Top Goal Scorer 1991: Papin 1992: Bergkamp 1993: Al-Owairan 1994: Stoichkov 1995: Klinsmann 1996: Daei 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Al-Huwaidi 1999: Raúl 2000: Rivaldo 2001: Al-Dhabit 2002: van Nistelrooy 2003: Henry 2004: Daei 2005: Adriano 2006: Suazo 2007: Mputu 2008: Rico 2009: Okazaki 2010: Al-Mutawa 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: Lewandowski 2016: C. Ronaldo 2017: C. Ronaldo 2018: Bounedjah 2019: C. Ronaldo 2020: Lukaku vteFIFPro Player of the Year awardsWorld Player of the Year 2005: Ronaldinho 2006: Ronaldinho 2007: Kaká 2008: C. RonaldoYoung Player of the Year 2005: Rooney 2006: Messi 2007: Messi 2008: Messi vteOnze d'Or 1976: Rensenbrink 1977: Keegan 1978: Kempes 1979: Keegan 1980: Rummenigge 1981: Rummenigge 1982: Rossi 1983: Platini 1984: Platini 1985: Platini 1986: Maradona 1987: Maradona 1988: Van Basten 1989: Van Basten 1990: Matthäus 1991: Papin 1992: Stoichkov 1993: Baggio 1994: Romário 1995: Weah 1996: Cantona 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Zidane 1999: Rivaldo 2000: Zidane 2001: Zidane 2002: Ronaldo 2003: Henry 2004: Drogba 2005: Ronaldinho 2006: Henry 2007: Kaká 2008: C. Ronaldo 2009: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Messi 2012–14: Not awarded 2014–15: Griezmann 2015–16: Not awarded 2016–17: C. Ronaldo 2017–18: Messi 2018–19: Mané 2020–21: Not awarded vteUEFA Men's Player of the Year AwardUEFA Best Player in Europe 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Iniesta 2012–13: Ribéry 2013–14: Ronaldo 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: RonaldoUEFA Men's Player of the Year 2016–17: Ronaldo 2017–18: Modrić 2018–19: Van Dijk 2019–20: Lewandowski vteUEFA Club Footballer of the Year 1997–98: Ronaldo 1998–99: Beckham 1999–2000: Redondo 2000–01: Effenberg 2001–02: Zidane 2002–03: Buffon 2003–04: Deco 2004–05: Gerrard 2005–06: Ronaldinho 2006–07: Kaká 2007–08: C. Ronaldo 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Milito vteUEFA Men's Club Football AwardsBest Goalkeeper 1997–98: Schmeichel 1998–99: Kahn 1999–2000: Kahn 2000–01: Kahn 2001–02: Kahn 2002–03: Buffon 2003–04: Baía 2004–05: Čech 2005–06: Lehmann 2006–07: Čech 2007–08: Čech 2008–09: Van der Sar 2009–10: Júlio César 2010–16: Not awarded 2016–17: Buffon 2017–18: Navas 2018–19: Alisson 2019–20: NeuerBest Defender 1997–98: Hierro 1998–99: Stam 1999–2000: Stam 2000–01: Ayala 2001–02: Roberto Carlos 2002–03: Roberto Carlos 2003–04: Carvalho 2004–05: Terry 2005–06: Puyol 2006–07: Maldini 2007–08: Terry 2008–09: Terry 2009–10: Maicon 2010–16: Not awarded 2016–17: Ramos 2017–18: Ramos 2018–19: Van Dijk 2019–20: KimmichBest Midfielder 1997–98: Zidane 1998–99: Beckham 1999–2000: Mendieta 2000–01: Mendieta 2001–02: Ballack 2002–03: Nedvěd 2003–04: Deco 2004–05: Kaká 2005–06: Deco 2006–07: Seedorf 2007–08: Lampard 2008–09: Xavi 2009–10: Sneijder 2010–16: Not awarded 2016–17: Modrić 2017–18: Modrić 2018–19: De Jong 2019–20: De BruyneBest Forward 1997–98: Ronaldo 1998–99: Shevchenko 1999–2000: Raúl 2000–01: Raúl 2001–02: Raúl 2002–03: Van Nistelrooy 2003–04: Morientes 2004–05: Ronaldinho 2005–06: Eto'o 2006–07: Kaká 2007–08: C. Ronaldo 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Milito 2010–16: Not awarded 2016–17: C. Ronaldo 2017–18: C. Ronaldo 2018–19: Messi 2019–20: Lewandowski vteFootballer of the Year of ArgentinaOriginal award 1970: Yazalde 1971: Pastoriza 1972: Bargas 1973: Brindisi 1974: Raimondo 1975: Scotta 1976: Passarella 1977: Fillol 1978: Kempes 1979: Maradona 1980: Maradona 1981: Maradona 1982: Gatti 1983: Bochini 1984: Márcico 1985: Francescoli 1986: Maradona 1987: Fabbri 1988: Paz 1989: Alfaro Moreno 1990: Goycochea 1991: Ruggeri 1992: Islas 1993: Medina Bello 1994: Navarro Montoya 1995: Francescoli 1996: Chilavert 1997: Salas 1998: Batistuta 1999: Saviola 2000: Riquelme 2001: Riquelme 2002: Milito 2003: Tevez 2004: Tevez 2005: Messi 2006: Verón 2007: Messi 2019: MessiShared awardDomestic 2008: Riquelme 2009: Verón 2010: J. M. Martínez 2011: Riquelme 2012: L. López 2013: M. Rodríguez 2014: Pratto 2015: Ruben 2016: Belluschi 2017: Benedetto 2018: P. MartínezAbroad 2008: Messi 2009: Messi 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: Messi 2014: Di María 2015: Messi 2016: Messi 2017: Messi vteLa Liga Best Player of the Year 2008–09 : Messi 2009–10 : Messi 2010–11 : Messi 2011–12 : Messi 2012–13 : Messi 2013–14 : Ronaldo 2014–15 : Messi 2015–16 : Griezmann 2016–17 : Ronaldo 2017–18 : Messi 2018–19 : Messi 2019–20 : Messi vteLa Liga Foreign Player of the Year - Don Balón Award 1976: Neeskens 1977: Cruyff 1978: Cruyff 1979: Stielike 1980: Stielike 1981: Stielike 1982: Stielike 1983: Barbas 1984: Barbas 1985: Schuster 1986: Valdano 1987: Sánchez 1988: Alemão 1989: Ruggeri 1990: Sánchez 1991: Schuster 1992: Laudrup 1993: Đukić 1994: Stoichkov 1995: Zamorano 1996: Mijatović 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Rivaldo 1999: Figo 2000: Figo 2001: Figo 2002: Zidane 2003: Nihat 2004: Ronaldinho 2005: Riquelme 2006: Ronaldinho 2007: Messi 2008: Agüero 2009: Messi 2010: Messi vteLa Liga Forward of the Year - LFP Awards 2009: Messi 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: Messi 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Messi vteGolden Boy award winners 2003: Van der Vaart 2004: Rooney 2005: Messi 2006: Fàbregas 2007: Agüero 2008: Anderson 2009: Pato 2010: Balotelli 2011: Götze 2012: Isco 2013: Pogba 2014: Sterling 2015: Martial 2016: Sanches 2017: Mbappé 2018: De Ligt 2019: Félix 2020: Haaland vteFIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball 2000: Edílson 2005: Rogério Ceni 2006: Deco 2007: Kaká 2008: Rooney 2009: Messi 2010: Eto'o 2011: Messi 2012: Cássio 2013: Ribéry 2014: Ramos 2015: Suárez 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Modrić 2018: Bale 2019: Salah 2020: Lewandowski vteEuropean Golden ShoeL'Équipe award 1967–68: Eusébio 1968–69: Zhekov 1969–70: Müller 1970–71: Skoblar 1971–72: Müller 1972–73: Eusébio 1973–74: Yazalde 1974–75: Georgescu 1975–76: Kaiafas 1976–77: Georgescu 1977–78: Krankl 1978–79: Kist 1979–80: Vandenbergh 1980–81: Slavkov 1981–82: Kieft 1982–83: Gomes 1983–84: Rush 1984–85: Gomes 1985–86: Van Basten 1986–87: Cămătaru / Polster 1987–88: Çolak 1988–89: Mateuț 1989–90: Sánchez & Stoichkov 1990–91: PančevUnofficial 1991–92: McCoist 1992–93: McCoist 1993–94: Taylor 1994–95: Avetisyan 1995–96: EndeladzeESM award 1996–97: Ronaldo 1997–98: Machlas 1998–99: Jardel 1999–2000: Phillips 2000–01: Larsson 2001–02: Jardel 2002–03: Makaay 2003–04: Henry 2004–05: Henry & Forlán 2005–06: Toni 2006–07: Totti 2007–08: C. Ronaldo 2008–09: Forlán 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: C. Ronaldo 2011–12: Messi 2012–13: Messi 2013–14: C. Ronaldo & Suárez 2014–15: C. Ronaldo 2015–16: Suárez 2016–17: Messi 2017–18: Messi 2018–19: Messi 2019–20: Immobile vteEuropean Cup and UEFA Champions League peak scorersEuropean Cup 1955–56: Milutinović 1956–57: Viollet 1957–58: Di Stéfano 1958–59: Fontaine 1959–60: Puskás 1960–61: J. Águas 1961–62: Di Stéfano, Løfqvist, Puskás, Strehl & Tejada 1962–63: Altafini 1963–64: Kovačević, Mazzola & Puskás 1964–65: Eusébio & Torres 1965–66: Albert & Eusébio 1966–67: Piepenburg & Van Himst 1967–68: Eusébio 1968–69: Law 1969–70: Jones 1970–71: Antoniadis 1971–72: Dunai, Macari & Takač 1972–73: Müller 1973–74: Müller 1974–75: Müller & Markarov 1975–76: Heynckes 1976–77: Cucinotta & Müller 1977–78: Simonsen 1978–79: Sulser 1979–80: Lerby 1980–81: McDermott, Rummenigge & Souness 1981–82: Hoeneß 1982–83: Rossi 1983–84: Sokol 1984–85: Nilsson & Platini 1985–86: Nilsson 1986–87: Cvetković 1987–88: R. Águas, Ferreri, Hagi, Madjer, McCoist, Míchel & Novák 1988–89: Van Basten 1989–90: Papin & Romário 1990–91: Pacult & Papin 1991–92: Papin & YuranUEFA Champions League 1992–93: Romário 1993–94: Koeman & Rufer 1994–95: Weah 1995–96: Litmanen 1996–97: Pantić 1997–98: Del Piero 1998–99: Shevchenko & Yorke 1999–2000: Jardel, Raúl & Rivaldo 2000–01: Raúl 2001–02: Van Nistelrooy 2002–03: Van Nistelrooy 2003–04: Morientes 2004–05: Van Nistelrooy 2005–06: Shevchenko 2006–07: Kaká 2007–08: C. Ronaldo 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Messi 2012–13: C. Ronaldo 2013–14: C. Ronaldo 2014–15: Neymar, C. Ronaldo & Messi 2015–16: C. Ronaldo 2016–17: C. Ronaldo 2017–18: C. Ronaldo 2018–19: Messi 2019–20: Lewandowski vteLa Liga height scorers 1929: Bienzobas 1930: Gorostiza 1931: Bata 1932: Bata 1933: Olivares 1934: Lángara 1935: Lángara 1936: Lángara 1940: Unamuno 1941: Pruden 1942: E. Suárez 1943: Martín 1944: E. Suárez 1945: Zarra 1946: Zarra 1947: Zarra 1948: Pahiño 1949: César 1950: Zarra 1951: Zarra 1952: Pahiño 1953: Zarra 1954: Di Stéfano 1955: Arza 1956: Di Stéfano 1957: Di Stéfano 1958: Badenes, Di Stéfano & Ricardo 1959: Di Stéfano 1960: Puskás 1961: Puskás 1962: Seminario 1963: Puskás 1964: Puskás 1965: Ré 1966: Aragonés & Vavá 1967: Waldo 1968: Uriarte 1969: Amancio & Gárate 1970: Amancio, Aragonés & Gárate 1971: Gárate & Rexach 1972: Porta 1973: Marianín 1974: Quini 1975: Carlos 1976: Quini 1977: Kempes 1978: Kempes 1979: Krankl 1980: Quini 1981: Quini 1982: Quini 1983: Rincón 1984: Da Silva & Juanito 1985: Sánchez 1986: Sánchez 1987: Sánchez 1988: Sánchez 1989: Baltazar 1990: Sánchez 1991: Butragueño 1992: Manolo 1993: Bebeto 1994: Romário 1995: Zamorano 1996: Pizzi 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Vieri 1999: Raúl 2000: Salva 2001: Raúl 2002: Tristán 2003: Makaay 2004: Ronaldo 2005: Forlán & Eto'o 2006: Eto'o 2007: Van Nistelrooy 2008: Güiza 2009: Forlán 2010: Messi 2011: C. Ronaldo 2012: Messi 2013: Messi 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: C. Ronaldo 2016: L. Suárez 2017: Messi 2018: Messi 2019: Messi 2020: Messi vteCopa del Rey top scorers 1986: Azcona, Merayo & R. Sosa 1987: H. Sánchez & Narciso 1988: Bakero 1989: Alzugaray 1990: Aldridge & Moya 1991: Ziganda 1992: Polster, Rivera & Rodríguez 1993: Urban 1994: Coca & Gudelj 1995: Penev 1996: Pantić 1997: Klimowicz 1998: Rivaldo 1999: C. López 2000: Arenaza, Barata, Cembranos, Gâlcă, Hasselbaink, Míchel & Yordi 2001: Salva 2002: Guti & Raúl 2003: Portillo 2004: Raúl 2005: Huegún, Alejandro & Muñoz 2006: Ewerthon 2007: Saviola 2008: Migue 2009: Messi & Luis Fabiano 2010: Maxi 2011: Messi & C. Ronaldo 2012: Infante 2013: Costa 2014: Messi 2015: Aspas & Neymar 2016: Guidetti, Messi, Munir, Negredo & Suárez 2017: Ben Yedder & Messi 2018: Curto 2019: Ángel & Toko Ekambi 2020: Isak 2021: León vte2008 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Casillas RB: Ramos CB: Terry CB: Puyol LB: Lahm MF: C. Ronaldo MF: Xavi MF: Fàbregas MF: Ribéry FW: Messi FW: Torres Coach: Ferguson vte2009 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Casillas RB: Alves CB: Terry CB: Puyol LB: Evra MF: C. Ronaldo MF: Xavi MF: Kaká MF: Iniesta FW: Messi FW: Ibrahimović Coach: Guardiola vte2010 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Casillas RB: Maicon CB: Piqué CB: Puyol LB: Cole MF: C. Ronaldo MF: Xavi MF: Sneijder MF: Iniesta FW: Messi FW: Villa Coach: Mourinho vte2011 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Casillas RB: Alves CB: Piqué CB: Silva LB: Marcelo MF: Robben MF: Xavi MF: Iniesta MF: Bale FW: Messi FW: C. Ronaldo vte2012 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Casillas RB: Ramos CB: Piqué CB: Silva LB: Lahm MF: Iniesta MF: Xavi MF: Pirlo MF: Özil FW: Messi FW: C. Ronaldo vte2014 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Neuer RB: Lahm CB: Ramos CB: Godín LB: Alaba MF: Robben MF: Kroos MF: Di María FW: Messi FW: Ibrahimović FW: C. Ronaldo vte2015 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Neuer RB: Alves CB: Ramos CB: Piqué LB: Alaba MF: Pogba MF: Iniesta MF: Rodríguez FW: C. Ronaldo FW: Messi FW: Neymar vte2016 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Buffon RB: Boateng CB: Piqué CB: Ramos LB: Bonucci MF: Modrić MF: Kroos MF: Iniesta FW: Messi FW: Griezmann FW: C. Ronaldo vte2017 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Buffon RB: Alves CB: Ramos CB: Chiellini LB: Marcelo MF: Modrić MF: Kroos MF: De Bruyne MF: Hazard FW: Messi FW: C. Ronaldo vte2018 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Ter Stegen RB: Ramos CB: van Dijk CB: Varane LB: Marcelo MF: Modrić MF: Kanté MF: Hazard MF: Mbappé FW: Messi FW: C. Ronaldo vte2019 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Alisson RB: Alexander-Arnold CB: de Ligt CB: van Dijk LB: Robertson MF: de Jong MF: De Bruyne RW: Messi FW: C. Ronaldo FW: Lewandowski LW: Mané vte2020 UEFA Team of the Year GK: Neuer RB: Kimmich CB: Ramos CB: van Dijk LB: Davies MF: Thiago MF: De Bruyne MF: Messi RW: C. Ronaldo FW: Lewandowski LW: Neymar vte2014–15 La Liga Team of the Year GK: Bravo RB: Dani Alves CB: Piqué CB: Otamendi LB: Alba MF: J. Rodríguez MF: Krychowiak MF: Rakitić FW: Messi FW: Ronaldo FW: Griezmann Manager: Luis Enrique vte2015–16 La Liga Team of the Year GK: Oblak RB: Ramos CB: Piqué CB: Godín LB: Marcelo MF: Iniesta MF: Busquets MF: Modrić FW: Messi FW: Ronaldo FW: Suárez vteSports Illustrated Soccer 2000s All-Decade TeamGoalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonDefenders Cafu Fabio Cannavaro Paolo Maldini Roberto CarlosMidfielders Cristiano Ronaldo Zinedine Zidane Patrick Vieira Lionel Messi RonaldinhoForwards RonaldoManager Guus Hiddink vteWorld Soccer Greatest XI of All TimeGoalkeeper Lev YashinDefenders Cafu Franz Beckenbauer Bobby Moore Paolo MaldiniMidfielders // Alfredo Di Stéfano Zinedine Zidane Diego Maradona Johan CruyffForwards Lionel Messi Pelé vteBallon d'Or Dream TeamFirst TeamGoalkeeper Lev YashinDefenders Cafu Franz Beckenbauer Paolo MaldiniMidfielders Diego Maradona Xavi Lothar Matthäus PeléForwards Lionel Messi Ronaldo Cristiano RonaldoSecond TeamGoalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonDefenders Carlos Alberto Franco Baresi Roberto CarlosMidfielders / Alfredo Di Stéfano Andrea Pirlo Frank Rijkaard Zinedine ZidaneForwards Garrincha Johan Cruyff RonaldinhoThird TeamGoalkeeper Manuel NeuerDefenders Philipp Lahm Sergio Ramos Paul BreitnerMidfielders Michel Platini Johan Neeskens Didi Andrés IniestaForwards George Best Marco van Basten Thierry Henry vteIFFHS World's Man Team of the Decade 2011–2020Goalkeeper Manuel NeuerDefenders Philipp Lahm Sergio Ramos Virgil van Dijk MarceloMidfielders Toni Kroos Andrés Iniesta Luka ModrićForwards Lionel Messi Robert Lewandowski Cristiano Ronaldo vteEFE Trophy 1990–91: Fernández 1991–92: Zalazar 1992–93: Zamorano 1993–94: Romário 1994–95: Zamorano 1995–96: Simeone 1996–97: Ronaldo 1997–98: Roberto Carlos 1998–99: Rivaldo 1999–2000: Herrera 2000–01: Acuña 2001–02: Saviola 2002–03: Ronaldo 2003–04: Ronaldinho 2004–05: Forlán 2005–06: Aimar 2006–07: Messi 2007–08: Agüero 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Messi 2012–13: C. Ronaldo 2013–14: Diego Costa 2014–15: Suárez 2015–16: Navas 2016–17: Real Madrid 2017–18: Cavani 2018–19: no longer awarded 2019–20: Santos vteTrofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano 2007–08: Raúl 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: C. Ronaldo 2012–13: C. Ronaldo 2013–14: C. Ronaldo 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: C. Ronaldo 2016–17: Messi 2017–18: Messi 2018–19: Messi 2019–20: Benzema vteAldo Rovira Trophy 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Abidal 2012–13: Messi 2013–14: Mascherano 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: Suárez 2016–17: Messi 2017–18: Messi 2018–19: Piqué 2019–20: Ter Stegen vteBravo Award 1978: Case 1979: Birtles 1980: H. Müller 1981: Wark 1982: Shaw 1983: Bonini 1984: Righetti 1985: Butragueño 1986: Butragueño 1987: van Basten 1988: Ohana 1989: Maldini 1990: Baggio 1991: Prosinečki 1992: Guardiola 1993: Giggs 1994: Panucci 1995: Kluivert 1996: Del Piero 1997: Ronaldo 1998: Ronaldo 1999: Buffon 2000: Casillas 2001: Hargreaves 2002: Metzelder 2003: Rooney 2004: C. Ronaldo 2005: Robben 2006: Fàbregas 2007: Messi 2008: Benzema 2009: Busquets 2010: T. Müller 2011: Hazard 2012: Verratti 2013: Isco 2014: Pogba 2015: Berardi vteLaureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year 2000–01: Tiger Woods 2002: Michael Schumacher 2003: Lance Armstrong* 2004: Michael Schumacher 2005–08: Roger Federer 2009–10: Usain Bolt 2011: Rafael Nadal 2012: Novak Djokovic 2013: Usain Bolt 2014: Sebastian Vettel 2015–16: Novak Djokovic 2017: Usain Bolt 2018: Roger Federer 2019: Novak Djokovic 2020: Lionel Messi & Lewis Hamilton 2021: Rafael Nadal vteBest International Athlete ESPY Award winners 2006: Pujols 2007: Federer 2008: Ochoa 2009: Bolt 2010–2011: Award now not given 2012: Messi 2013: Bolt 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Bolt 2018: Ronaldo 2019: Messi 2020: Award no longer given Authority keep watch over BIBSYS: 12013752 BNC: 000861626 BNE: XX1774956 BNF: cb165415605 (information) CANTIC: a11238215 GND: 137928408 ISNI: 0000 0001 1681 7603 LCCN: n2008041854 LNB: 000263390 NDL: 01189076 NKC: hka2011631656 NLG: 311174 NLI: 001681122 NLK: KAC201214421 NLP: A25622237 NSK: 000656021 NTA: 333440811 PLWABN: 9810616485305606 RERO: 02-A018459206 SELIBR: 382858 SUDOC: 156231239 VIAF: 86093367 WorldCat Identities: lccn-n2008041854 Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lionel_Messi&oldid=1022811414"

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