Lionel Messi: Difference between revisions

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			{{Short description\|Argentine footballer (born 1987)}}
	{{Redirect\|Messi\|the biopic\|Messi (film)}}
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=July 2014}}
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	{{Spanish name\|Messi\|Cuccittini}}
			{{Good article}}
			{{Use British English\|date=January 2024}}
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2024}}
	{{Infobox football biography		{{Infobox football biography
	\|name = Lionel Messi		\| name = Lionel Messi
	\|image = Messi ~~in Germany and~~ Argentina ~~face off in the final of the World Cup 2014~~ -~~2014~~-07-13 (24).jpg		\| image = Lionel-Messi-Argentina-2022-FIFA-World-Cup (cropped).jpg
			\| caption = Messi with ] at the ]
	\|image_size = 252px
			\| full_name = Lionel Andrés Messi<ref name="NameBirthHeight">{{Cite web \|url=https://fdp.fifa.org/assetspublic/ce44/pdf/SquadLists-English.pdf \|title=FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – Squad List: Argentina (ARG)\|publisher=FIFA \|page=1 \|date=18 December 2022 \|access-date=18 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218195301/https://fdp.fifa.org/assetspublic/ce44/pdf/SquadLists-English.pdf \|archive-date=18 December 2022 \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	\|caption = Messi playing for ] in the ]
			\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1987\|6\|24\|df=y}}<ref name="NameBirthHeight" />
	\|fullname = Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini<ref name="2014 FIFA World Cup squad lists">{{cite news \|title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players \|url=http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/36/33/44/fwc_2014_squadlists_neutral.pdf \|publisher=FIFA \|format=PDF \|page=2 \|date=11 June 2014 \|accessdate=15 July 2014 }}</ref>
			\| birth_place = ], Argentina
	\|birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1987\|6\|24\|df=y}}
			\| height = 1.70 m<ref name="NameBirthHeight" />
	\|birth_place = ], ], Argentina
			\| position = ]
	\|height = {{height\|m=1.69}}<ref name="barca">{{cite web \|title=10 Messi\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/clubs/player=95803/ \|work=uefa.com \|publisher=UEFA \|accessdate=27 January 2015}}</ref>
			\| currentclub = ]
	\|position = ]
			\| clubnumber = 10
	\|currentclub = ]
			\| youthyears1 = 1992–1995
	\|clubnumber = 10
	\|~~youthyears1~~ ~~= 1995–2000 \|~~youthclubs1 = ]		\| youthclubs1 = Grandoli
	\|youthyears2 = ~~2000–2003 \|youthclubs2 = ]~~		\| youthyears2 = 1995–2000
			\| youthclubs2 = ]
	\|years1 = 2003–2004 \|clubs1 = ] \|caps1 = 10 \|goals1 = 5
			\| youthyears3 = 2000–2004
	\|years2 = 2004–2005 \|clubs2 = ] \|caps2 = 22 \|goals2 = 6
	\|~~years3~~ ~~= 2004– \|clubs3~~ = ] ~~\|caps3 = 315 \|goals3 = 286~~		\| youthclubs3 = ]
			\| years1 = 2003–2004
	\|nationalyears1 = 2004–2005 \|nationalteam1 = ] \|nationalcaps1 = 18 \|nationalgoals1 = 14
			\| clubs1 = ]
	\|nationalyears2 = 2007–2008 \|nationalteam2 = ] \|nationalcaps2 = 5 \|nationalgoals2 = 2
			\| caps1 = 10
	\|nationalyears3 = 2005– \|nationalteam3 = ] \|nationalcaps3 = 97\|nationalgoals3 = 45
	\|~~medaltemplates~~ =		\| goals1 = 5
			\| years2 = 2004–2005
	{{MedalCountry\|{{ARG}}}}
			\| clubs2 = ]
	{{MedalSport\|Men's ]}}
			\| caps2 = 22
	{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			\| goals2 = 6
	{{MedalGold\|]\|]}}
			\| years3 = 2004–2021
	{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			\| clubs3 = ]
	{{Medal\|RU\|]\|]}}
			\| caps3 = 520
	{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			\| goals3 = 474
	{{Medal\|RU\|]\|]}}
			\| years4 = 2021–2023
	{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			\| clubs4 = ]
	{{Medal\|Winner\|]\|]}}
			\| caps4 = 58
	{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			\| goals4 = 22
	{{Medal\|3rd\|]\|]}}
			\| years5 = 2023–
	\|club-update = 23 May 2015
			\| clubs5 = ]
	\|nationalteam-update = 12 November 2014
			\| caps5 = 25
			\| goals5 = 21
			\| nationalyears1 = 2004–2005
			\| nationalteam1 = ]
			\| nationalcaps1 = 18
			\| nationalgoals1 = 14
			\| nationalyears2 = 2008
			\| nationalteam2 = ]
			\| nationalcaps2 = 5{{efn-lg\|name=U23}}
			\| nationalgoals2 = 2
			\| nationalyears3 = 2005–
			\| nationalteam3 = ]
			\| nationalcaps3 = ]
			\| nationalgoals3 = ]
			\| club-update = 00:16, 20 October 2024 (UTC)
			\| nationalteam-update = 08:41, 20 November 2024 (UTC)
			\| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport\|Men's ]}}
			{{Medal\|Country\|{{fb\|ARG}}}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{Medal\|Winner\|]\|}}
			{{Medal\|RU\|]\|}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{Medal\|Winner\|]\|}}
			{{Medal\|Winner\|]\|}}
			{{Medal\|RU\|]\|}}
			{{Medal\|RU\|]\|}}
			{{Medal\|RU\|]\|}}
			{{Medal\|3rd\|]\|}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{Medal\|W\|]\|}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{MedalGold\|]\|]}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{Medal\|Winner\|]\|}}
			{{MedalCompetition\|]}}
			{{Medal\|3rd\|]\|}}
			\| module = {{Infobox person\|embed=yes
			\| signature = File:Firma de Lionel Messi.svg
			\| signature_alt = Lionel Messi signature}}
	}}		}}
			{{Lionel Messi series}}
	'''Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi Cuccittini''' ({{IPA-es\|ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi\|-\|Lionel Andrés Messi - Name.ogg}}; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional ] who plays for Spanish club ] and the ]. He is a ] and serves as ] for Argentina.
			'''Lionel Andrés''' "'''Leo'''" '''Messi'''{{refn\|group=note\|According to FCBarcelona.com, and his authorised biography, ''Messi'' by ], his surname is the single "Messi", in accordance with Argentine customs.<ref name="BarcaProfile">{{Cite web \|title=Profile: Lionel Andrés Messi \|publisher=FC Barcelona \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/staff/players/messi \|access-date=8 September 2015 \|archive-date=18 October 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018100823/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/staff/players/messi \|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=32–37}} Other sources, including a 2014 document by ], give his surname as the double "Messi Cuccittini".<ref>{{Cite web \|title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players \|publisher=FIFA \|date=10 June 2014 \|page=2 \|url=http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/36/33/44/fwc_2014_squadlists_neutral.pdf \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625085714/http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/36/33/44/fwc_2014_squadlists_neutral.pdf \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=25 June 2014 \|access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref> After winning a libel case in 2017, Messi's own management company stated: "The football player '''Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini''' has donated a total of €72,783.20 to the organisation ]."<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Marsden \|first=Sam \|url=http://www.espn.in/football/barcelona/story/3255615/lionel-messi-donates-70k-to-charity-after-winning-libel-case-against-newspaper \|title=Messi donates to charity after libel case win \|publisher=ESPN \|date=2 November 2017 \|access-date=3 November 2017 \|archive-date=4 February 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204030732/https://www.espn.in/football/barcelona/story/3255615/lionel-messi-donates-70k-to-charity-after-winning-libel-case-against-newspaper \|url-status=live}}</ref>}} ({{IPA\|es\|ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi\|-\|Lionel Andrés Messi - Name.ogg}}; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional ] who plays as a ] for and ] both ] club ] and the ]. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time,<!--DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT CONSENSUS--> Messi set numerous records for ] won throughout ] such as eight ] awards and eight times being named the ] by ].{{refn\|group=note\|name=BDOFIFA\|Messi received '']''{{'}}s ] and ]'s ] award, prior to their ]; he proceeded to win the newly formed award, the ], four times—], ], ], ]. Both organisations credited him with five (FIFA) Ballon d'Or awards.<ref>{{Cite web \|first=Rémy \|last=Lacombe \|title=Messi, le Cinquième Élément \|trans-title=Messi, the Fifth Element \|magazine=France Football \|date=11 January 2016 \|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/messi-le-cinquieme-element/623615 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121175932/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/messi-le-cinquieme-element/623615 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=21 January 2024 \|access-date=21 January 2024 \|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Messi, Lloyd, Luis Enrique and Ellis Triumph at FIFA Ballon d'Or 2015 \|publisher=FIFA \|date=11 January 2016 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2016/m=1/news=messi-lloyd-luis-enrique-and-ellis-triumph-at-fifa-ballon-d-or-2015-2754944.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202210654/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2016/m=1/news=messi-lloyd-luis-enrique-and-ellis-triumph-at-fifa-ballon-d-or-2015-2754944.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2 February 2016 \|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal \|last1=Straeten \|first1=Karine van der \|last2=Laslier \|first2=Jean-François \|last3=Daoust \|first3=Jean-François \|last4=Blais \|first4=André \|last5=Arrondel \|first5=Luc \|last6=Anderson \|first6=Christopher J. \|title=Messi, Ronaldo, and the Politics of Celebrity Elections: Voting for the Best Soccer Player in the World \|journal=Perspectives on Politics \|volume=18 \|pages=91–110 \|doi=10.1017/S1537592719002391 \|issn=1537-5927 \|year=2020 \|issue=1 \|doi-access=free}}</ref> He then went on to win the Ballon d'Or three more times—], ], ]—again assigned by the sole ''France Football'', and won the newly established ] three times as well—], ], ]. ''France Football'' recognizes him as a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA recognizes him as a record eight-time world's best player.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Ballon d'Or 2023 : Lionel Messi sacré pour la huitième fois \|trans-title=Ballon d'Or 2023: Lionel Messi crowned for the eighth time \|publisher=L'Equipe \|date=30 October 2023 \|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Ballon-d-or-2023-lionel-messi-sacre-pour-la-huitieme-fois/1428922 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121173444/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Ballon-d-or-2023-lionel-messi-sacre-pour-la-huitieme-fois/1428922 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=21 January 2024 \|access-date=21 January 2024 \|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Messi wins The Best FIFA Men's Player Award \|publisher=FIFA \|date=15 January 2024 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/lionel-messi-wins-best-fifa-mens-player-award-2023 \|quote=Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player 2023, retaining the title he won in 2022 Messi also won the 2019 Best FIFA Men's Player award and was recognised by FIFA as the leading player in the men's game on five occasions prior to that – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 – making this his eighth individual award in total. \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121173350/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/lionel-messi-wins-best-fifa-mens-player-award-2023 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=21 January 2024 \|access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref>}} He is the most decorated player in the history of professional football having won ],{{refn\|group=note\|name=2005Supercopa\|According to ],<ref name="BarcelonaHonours">{{cite web \|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/2105010/messi-wins-35th-trophy-with-barca \|title=Messi wins 35th trophy with Barça \|publisher=] \|date=17 April 2021 \|access-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-date=1 September 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901093606/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/2105010/messi-wins-35th-trophy-with-barca \|url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name="FIFAHonours">{{cite web \|url=https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/the-world-cup-the-best-and-all-of-lionel-messis-trophy-wins \|title=The World Cup, The Best and all of Lionel Messi's trophy wins \|publisher=] \|date=19 January 2024 \|access-date=16 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715172803/https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/the-world-cup-the-best-and-all-of-lionel-messis-trophy-wins \|archive-date=15 July 2024 \|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref name="MLS.com">{{cite web \|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/lionel-messi-extends-world-record-inter-miami-win-supporters-shield \|title=Lionel Messi extends world record: Inter Miami win Supporters' Shield \|publisher=] \|date=3 October 2024 \|access-date=3 October 2024 \|archive-date=3 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003063511/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/lionel-messi-extends-world-record-inter-miami-win-supporters-shield \|url-status=live }}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://rfef.es/sites/default/files/pdf/supercopa_internacional_version_ingles_0.pdf \|title=Conditions regarding the marketing of the "Spanish Super Cup" audiovisual rights in the international markets \|quote=Lionel Messi is the competition's all-time leading scorer and most successful player with eight titles. \|publisher=] \|date=12 November 2019 \|access-date=25 July 2024 \|archive-date=25 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725080758/https://rfef.es/sites/default/files/pdf/supercopa_internacional_version_ingles_0.pdf \|url-status=live}}</ref> and multiple media outlets,<ref>{{cite web \|last=Aldunate \|first=Ramiro \|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2021/04/18/607bffa946163fcb5a8b4606.html \|title=The legend of Messi \|website=] \|date=18 April 2021 \|access-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720184709/https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2021/04/18/607bffa946163fcb5a8b4606.html \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last=Corrigan \|first=Dermot \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2524267/2021/04/18/messis-magic-has-just-won-him-a-35th-trophy-with-barcelona-but-will-it-be-the-last/ \|title=Messi's magic has just won him a 35th trophy with Barcelona – but will it be the last? \|website=] \|date=18 April 2021 \|access-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720184707/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2524267/2021/04/18/messis-magic-has-just-won-him-a-35th-trophy-with-barcelona-but-will-it-be-the-last/ \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last=Azzoni \|first=Tales \|url=https://apnews.com/article/la-liga-barcelona-europe-health-coronavirus-pandemic-1096dbbaf349901147dfa850cf14d156 \|title=Messi's future up in the air as Barcelona contract ends \|publisher=] \|date=1 July 2021 \|access-date=20 July 2024}}</ref> Messi also won the ], bringing his Barcelona trophy total to 35—and his career total to 46.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/mls/2024/10/03/66fe2c0c46163f39848b4573.html \|title=Lionel Messi wins 46th trophy as Inter Miami secures 2024 Supporters' Shield \|website=] \|date=3 October 2024 \|access-date=6 October 2024 \|archive-date=6 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006141118/https://www.marca.com/en/football/mls/2024/10/03/66fe2c0c46163f39848b4573.html \|url-status=live }}</ref> However, this particular trophy is not credited here since Messi was out of the squad and did not feature in any of the two games against ].<ref name="FirstMiami">{{cite web \|last=Romero Nuñez \|first=Fernando \|url=https://buenosairesherald.com/sports/stars/messi/messi-wins-first-title-at-miami-does-he-hold-the-all-time-record \|title=Messi wins first title at Miami, does he hold the all-time record? \|website=] \|date=22 August 2023 \|access-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-date=20 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720183552/https://buenosairesherald.com/sports/stars/messi/messi-wins-first-title-at-miami-does-he-hold-the-all-time-record \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ElGrafico">{{cite web \|last=Maverino \|first=Silvio \|url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/lionel-messi/51880/lionel-messi-se-convirtio-en-el-jugador-mas-ganador-de-la-historia-del-futbol \|title=Lionel Messi se convirtió en el jugador más ganador de la historia del fútbol \|language=es \|trans-title=Lionel Messi became the winningest player in football history \|website=] \|issn=0017-291X \|date=15 July 2024 \|access-date=16 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716064037/https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/lionel-messi/51880/lionel-messi-se-convirtio-en-el-jugador-mas-ganador-de-la-historia-del-futbol \|archive-date=16 July 2024 \|url-status=live}}</ref>}} including twelve ] league titles, four ]s, two ]s, and one ]. Messi holds the ] for most ]s (6), most goals for a single club (672, with ]), most ] (474), ] (36) and ] (192) in ], most ] (39), ] (18) and ] (34) in the Copa América, most ] (26) and ] (21) in the World Cup, most ] (191) and ] (]) by a South American male, and the second-most in the latter category outright. A prolific goalscorer and creative playmaker, Messi has scored over ] for club and country.

			Born in ], Argentina, Messi relocated to Spain to join Barcelona at age 13, and made his competitive debut at age 17 in October 2004. He established himself as an integral player for the club within the next three years, and in his first uninterrupted season in ] helped Barcelona achieve the first ] in Spanish football; that year, aged 22, Messi won the ] of his four consecutive Ballons d'Or, the first player to win it four times. During the ], he set La Liga and European records for most goals in a season, while establishing himself as ]. The following two seasons, he finished second for the Ballon d'Or behind ], his perceived ], before regaining his best form during the ], where he became the all-time top scorer in La Liga, led Barcelona to a historic second treble, and won a fifth Ballon d'Or in ]. Messi assumed captaincy of Barcelona in 2018, and won a record sixth Ballon d'Or in ]. During his overall tenure at Barcelona, Messi won a ] 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues, among others. He signed for French club ] in August 2021, where he would win the ] title during both of his seasons there. Messi joined American club Inter Miami in July 2023, and set a new mark for ] by his second season.
	By the age of 21, Messi had received ] and ] nominations. The following year, in 2009, he won his first ] and ] awards. He followed this up by winning the inaugural ] in ], and then again in ] and ]. He also won the 2010–11 ]. At the age of 24, Messi became ] in all official club competitions. In September 2014 he scored his 400th senior career goal for club and country aged just 27. In November 2014, Messi became the ], and the ] in the UEFA Champions League.

			An Argentine international, Messi is the national team's ] and ]. His style of play as a diminutive, left-footed ] drew career-long comparisons with compatriot ], who described Messi as ]. At the youth level, he won the ] and ] at the ]. After his senior debut in 2005, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in a World Cup in ]. He assumed the national team's captaincy in 2011, and then led Argentina to three consecutive finals: the ], the ] and the ], all of which they would lose. After initially announcing his international retirement in 2016, he returned to help his country narrowly qualify for the ], which they would again exit early. Messi and the national team finally broke Argentina's 28-year trophy drought with a victory in the ], where he was named the tournament's best player and which later helped him win his seventh Ballon d'Or ]. He then led Argentina to win the ], his country's third overall world championship and first in 36 years. This followed with a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in ]. A second Copa América victory with Messi as captain came in ].
	Often considered the best player in the world and rated by some in the sport as the greatest of all time,<ref>{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi was magnificent against Manchester City... but is the Barcelona star the greatest player you've ever seen? \|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3002195/Lionel-Messi-magnificent-against-Manchester-City-Barcelona-star-greatest-player-ve-seen.html \|publisher=MailOnline \|accessdate=19 March 2015\|date=19 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="Simunic">{{cite web\|title=Simunic: Messi’s the best of all time\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1967479/?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_interview\|publisher=FIFA\|accessdate=12 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Smith\|first=Ben\|title=Lionel Messi: Goals record caps golden year for Barcelona star\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20592977\|publisher=BBC Sport\|accessdate=12 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="Muller">{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi hailed as 'incredible' and 'gigantic' by Gerd Muller after Barcelona star breaks record for most goals\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9734839/Lionel-Messi-hailed-as-incredible-and-gigantic-by-Gerd-Muller-after-Barcelona-star-breaks-record-for-most-goals.html\|publisher=Telegraph Sport\|accessdate=12 December 2012\|location=London\|date=10 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="Wenger">{{cite news\|title=Arsène Wenger hails Barcelona's Lionel Messi after four-goal display\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/07/barcelona-arsenal-lionel-messi\|work=The Guardian\|accessdate=12 December 2012\|location=London\|date=7 April 2010}}</ref><ref name="Beckham">{{cite web\|title=David Beckham: Lionel Messi is the best\|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1410228/david-beckham:-cristiano-ronaldo-is-not-at-lionel-messi's-level\|publisher=ESPN\|accessdate=12 April 2013}}</ref> After Gerd Muller of Germany, Messi is the second football player in history to win four ]/], all of which he won consecutively, and the first to win three ] awards. With Barcelona, Messi has won seven La Ligas, two ], six ], three ]s, two ]s and two ]s.

			Messi has endorsed sportswear company ] since 2006. According to '']'', he was the world's highest-paid footballer for five years out of six between 2009 and 2014, and was ranked the ] by '']'' in 2019 and 2022. Messi was among '']''{{'}}s ] in 2011, 2012, and 2023. In 2020 and 2023, he was named the ], the first team-sport athlete to win it. In 2020, Messi was named to the ] and became the second footballer and second team-sport athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.
	Messi is the only player to ], and also holds the record for the ] with five. In March 2012, he made Champions League history by becoming the first player to score five goals in one match. In the 2011–12 season, Messi set the European record for ], set the goalscoring ] with 50 goals, and became the first player ever to score and assist in six different official competitions in one season. In February 2013 he scored his 300th Barcelona goal. On 30 March 2013, Messi scored in his 19th consecutive La Liga game, becoming the first footballer in history to net in consecutive matches against every team in a professional football league. He extended his record scoring streak to 21 consecutive league matches. In March 2014, with a hat-trick against ], Messi became the player with the most goals and most hat-tricks in the history of '']''. In October 2014, Messi, aged 27, became the youngest player to score 250 goals in La Liga. In November 2014, Messi scored a ] against Sevilla to reach 253 La Liga goals, becoming the ]. In May 2015, he scored his 77th Champions League goal to become its ].
			{{TOClimit\|4}}

			== Early life ==
	Messi helped ] win the ], finishing as both the best player and the top scorer (with six goals). In ], he became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the ], and won a runners-up medal at the ] in ], in which he was named young player of the tournament. In ], he won an ] with the ]. At the ], he led Argentina to the ], winning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in the process, and received the ] award as the best player of the tournament. In 2013, ''SportsPro'' rated him the second-most marketable athlete in the world.<ref name="SportsPro"/> His playing style and stature have drawn comparisons to compatriot ], who himself declared Messi his "]".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-02/25/content_523966.htm\|title=Maradona proclaims Messi as his successor\|agency=Reuters\|work=China Daily \|date=25 February 2006 \|accessdate=8 October 2006}}</ref>
			Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in ], Santa Fe Province,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Messi {{!}} Ficha del jugador 20/21 {{!}} Delantero\|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.es/es/futbol/primer-equipo/jugadores/4974/lionel-messi\|access-date=1 June 2021\|work=FC Barcelona\|language=es\|archive-date=11 August 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811113532/https://www.fcbarcelona.es/es/futbol/primer-equipo/jugadores/4974/lionel-messi\|url-status=live}}</ref> the third of four children of Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and his wife Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. On his father's side, he is of Italian and Spanish descent, the great-grandson of immigrants from the north-central ] ] region of Italy, and on his mother's side, he has primarily Italian ancestry.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=32–37}} Growing up in a tight-knit, football-loving family, "Leo" developed a passion for the sport from an early age, playing constantly with his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and his cousins, ] and ], both of whom became professional footballers.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=9–10}} At the age of four he joined local club Grandoli, where he was coached by his father, though his earliest influence as a player came from his maternal grandmother, Celia, who accompanied him to training and matches.<ref name="MagicFeet">{{Cite news \|first=John \|last=Carlin \|title=Lionel Messi: Magic in His Feet \|newspaper=The Independent \|date=27 March 2010 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/lionel-messi-magic-in-his-feet-1928768.html \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=5 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705210947/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/lionel-messi-magic-in-his-feet-1928768.html \|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was greatly affected by her death, shortly before his eleventh birthday; since then, as a devout ], he has celebrated his goals by looking up and pointing to the sky in tribute to his grandmother.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=44–45}}<ref>{{Cite news \|first=Chris \|last=Maume \|title=Lionel Messi: The World at His Feet \|newspaper=The Independent \|date=11 July 2014 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/lionel-messi-the-world-at-his-feet-9601215.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/lionel-messi-the-world-at-his-feet-9601215.html \|archive-date=14 June 2022 \|url-status=live \|access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref>

	==~~Early~~ ~~life~~==		==Youth career==
			===Newell's Old Boys (1995–2000)===
	Messi was born on 24 June 1987<ref name="barca"/> in ], ], to parents Jorge Horácio Messi, a factory steel worker, and Celia María Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://www.canchallena.com/1278476\|title=El crack que desea victorias de regalo\|publisher=Canchallena\|language=Spanish\|trans_title=The 'crack' who wants victories for presents}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/lionel-messi-magic-in-his-feet-1928768.html \|last=Carlin \|first=John \|work=The Independent \|location=UK \|title=Lionel Messi: Magic in his feet \|accessdate=7 April 2010 \|date=27 March 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/deportes/8-121094-2009-03-07.html \|last=Veiga \|first=Gustavo \|publisher=Página/12 \|title=Los intereses de Messi \|accessdate=31 May 2009 \|language=Spanish }}</ref><ref name="mission">{{cite news \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3779961.ece \|work=The Times \|title=Lionel Messi on a mission \|last=Hawkey \|first=Ian \|date=20 April 2008 \|accessdate=30 May 2009 \|location=London }}{{subscription required}}</ref> His paternal great-grandfather, Angelo Messi originates from the Italian city of ] and emigrated to Argentina in 1883.<ref name="El origen de los Messi">{{cite web \|url=http://www.aldia.cr/ad_ee/2006/febrero/24/ovacion11.html \|title=El origen de los Messi está en Italia \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|date=24 February 2006 \|publisher=Al Día \|last=Aguilar \|first=Alexander \|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name="Las raíces italianas de Leo Messi">{{cite web \|url=http://hemeroteca.elmundodeportivo.es/preview/2005/10/07/pagina-5/722791/pdf.html \|title=Las raíces italianas de Leo Messi \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|date=7 October 2005 \|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo \|last=Cubero \|first=Cristina\|language=Spanish}}</ref> He has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.2008.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=1246/bio/index.html \|publisher=NBC \|title=Lionel Messi bio \|accessdate=30 May 2009}}</ref> At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge.<ref name=Williams/> In 1995, Messi switched to ] who were based in his home city Rosario.<ref name=Williams>{{cite news \|last=Williams \|first=Richard \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/feb/24/championsleague1 \|newspaper=The Guardian \|title=Messi has all the qualities to take world by storm \|accessdate=3 May 2008 \|date=26 February 2006 \|location=London}}</ref> He became part of a local youth team that lost only one match in the next four years and became locally known as "The Machine of '87", the year of their birth.<ref name=Thompson>{{cite web\|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=Lionel-Messi \|title=Here & Gone \|first=Wright \|last=Thompson \|work=] \|publisher=] \|date=7 October 2012 \|accessdate=7 October 2012}}</ref>
			{{quote box\|width=25%\|align=left\|quote="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."\|source=– ] youth coach ] shares his first impression of the 12-year-old Messi.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|p=38}}}}
			A lifelong supporter of ], Messi joined the Rosario club when he was seven years old. During the six years he played for Newell's, he scored almost 500 goals as a member of "The Machine of '87", the near-unbeatable youth side named for the year of their birth, and regularly entertained crowds by performing ball tricks during half-time of the first team's home games.<ref name="Here">{{Cite web \|first=Wright \|last=Thompson \|title=Here and Gone: The Strange Relationship between Lionel Messi and His Hometown in Argentina \|work=ESPN \|date=22 October 2012 \|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/eticket/story?page=Lionel-Messi \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=25 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225232901/http://www.espn.com/espn/eticket/story?page=lionel-messi \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=BR>{{Cite news \|title=The Machine of '87: Messi's Boyhood Teammates Recall Early Signs of Greatness \|work=Bleacher Report \|date=23 June 2017 \|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717227-the-machine-of-87-messis-boyhood-teammates-recall-early-signs-of-greatness \|access-date=25 June 2017 \|last=Fitzpatrick \|first=Richard \|archive-date=24 June 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624155913/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717227-the-machine-of-87-messis-boyhood-teammates-recall-early-signs-of-greatness \|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=31–35}} His goalscoring idol growing up was Brazilian striker ], with Messi calling him "the best forward I've ever seen".<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Messi: Brazil striker Ronaldo my hero \|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/messi-brazil-striker-ronaldo-my-hero \|access-date=8 September 2018 \|work=FourFourTwo \|archive-date=12 May 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512043227/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/messi-brazil-striker-ronaldo-my-hero \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			However, his future as a professional player was threatened when, aged 10, he was diagnosed with a ]. As his father's health insurance covered only two years of ], which cost at least ]1,000 per month, Newell's agreed to contribute, but later reneged on their promise.<ref>{{Cite news \|first1=Jérôme \|last1=Cazadieu \|first2=Alexandre \|last2=Juillard \|first3=Frédéric \|last3=Traïni \|title=Leo Messi: La Légende d'El Enano \|trans-title=Leo Messi: The Legend of El Enano \|newspaper=L'Équipe via Irish Independent \|date=15 November 2008 \|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/rosario-the-old-coach-and-the-kid-26496103.html \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=26 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926074749/http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/rosario-the-old-coach-and-the-kid-26496103.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> He was scouted by Buenos Aires club ], whose ] ] he idolised.<ref name="Mission">{{Cite news \|first=Ian \|last=Hawkey \|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lionel-messi-on-a-mission-6d7lwj26fmw \|title=Lionel Messi on a Mission \|work=The Times \|url-access=subscription \|date=20 April 2008 \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=19 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819075002/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lionel-messi-on-a-mission-6d7lwj26fmw \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Aimar">{{Cite news \|first=Paul \|last=Wilson \|title=Pablo Aimar: The Argentinian Wizard Admired by Maradona and Messi \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=16 July 2015 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/16/pablo-aimar-next-diego-maradona-argentina-retired-age-35-valencia \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 August 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818042844/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/16/pablo-aimar-next-diego-maradona-argentina-retired-age-35-valencia \|url-status=live}}</ref> It was speculated that he failed to sign with River Plate due to his ill health; however, in a 2019 interview, Messi revealed that River Plate had offered to pay for his medical treatment after he scored four goals at a trial. River wanted to sign him, but Newell's Old Boys, who had refused to pay for his treatment, also refused to release his player card, preventing the transfer.<ref>{{Cite magazine \|date=2 June 2019 \|title=Leo Messi reveló el motivo por el que no fichó por River Plate \|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/06/02/leo-messi-revelo-el-motivo-por-el-que-no-ficho-por-river-plate \|access-date=12 January 2024 \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|language=en-us \|archive-date=12 January 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112091643/https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/06/02/leo-messi-revelo-el-motivo-por-el-que-no-ficho-por-river-plate \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a ].<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/5099857/Franck-Ribery-the-man-to-challenge-Lionel-Messi-and-Barcelona.html \|title=Franck Ribery the man to challenge Lionel Messi and Barcelona \|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|last=White \|first=Duncan \|date=4 April 2009 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 }}</ref> Local team ] showed interest in Messi's progress, but were not willing to pay for treatment for his condition, which cost $900 a month.<ref name="mission"/> ], the sporting director of FC Barcelona, was made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in ] in western ], and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial with the team.<ref name="mission"/> Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered Messi a contract written on a paper napkin.<ref>FT Weekend Magazine, 28–29 May 2011, 'Lionel Messi' by Ronald Reng</ref><ref name=fifa.com/> Barcelona offered to pay Messi's medical bills on the condition that he moved to Spain. Messi and his father duly moved to Barcelona, where Messi enrolled in the ].<ref name=Williams/><ref name=fifa.com>{{cite news \|url=http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2006/news/newsid=103182/index.html \|title=The new messiah
	\|publisher=FIFA \|date=5 March 2006 \|accessdate=25 July 2006}}</ref>

	==Barcelona==		===Barcelona (2000–2004)===
			], aged 13.]]

			As the Messi family had relatives in Catalonia, they sought to arrange a trial with ] in September 2000. First team director ] immediately wanted to sign him, but the board of directors hesitated; at the time it was highly unusual for European clubs to sign foreign players of such a young age. On 14 December, an ultimatum was issued for Barcelona to prove their commitment, and Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered a contract on a paper ].<ref name="Mission" /><ref name="Serviette">{{Cite news \|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=Lionel Messi: How Argentinian Teenager Signed for Barcelona on a Serviette \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=15 October 2014 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/oct/15/lionel-messi-barcelona-decade \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=26 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726182618/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/oct/15/lionel-messi-barcelona-decade \|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2001, the family relocated to Barcelona, where they moved into an apartment near the club's stadium, ]. During his first year in Spain, Messi rarely played with the ''Infantiles'' due to a transfer conflict with Newell's; as a foreigner, he could only be fielded in friendlies and the Catalan league. Without football, he struggled to integrate into the team; already reserved by nature, he was so quiet that his teammates initially believed he was mute. At home, he suffered from homesickness after his mother moved back to Rosario with his brothers and little sister, María Sol, while he stayed in Barcelona with his father.<ref name="Here" /><ref name="Serviette" /><ref name="BoyGenius">{{Cite news \|first=Jeré \|last=Longman \|title=Lionel Messi: Boy Genius \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=21 May 2011 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/22/sports/soccer/lionel-messi-boy-genius.html \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=1 July 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701125859/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/22/sports/soccer/lionel-messi-boy-genius.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2000–04 junior years===
	Messi played in FC Barcelona's junior Infantil B and Cadete B and A teams from 2000 to 2003, scoring 37 goals in 30 matches in Cadete A. He was nearly released from the club in 2003 because of financial constraints, but his youth coaches convinced management to keep him (] was released during this purge).<ref>{{cite web\|title=Barcelona almost let Lionel Messi leave for free\|url=http://www.givemesport.com/369519-barcelona-almost-let-lionel-messi-leave-for-free\|publisher=GiveMeSport.com\|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref> Season 2003–04 saw him on a record five different teams:<ref>{{cite web \|first1=Sandra \|last1=Sarmiento \|first2=Jaume \|last2=Marcet \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/09/n090918106812.html \|title=From 'Infantil B' to World number one \|date=18 September 2009 \|publisher=FCBarcelona.com \|accessdate=9 January 2012 }}</ref> he started one match in Juvenil B (one goal) and got promoted to Juvenil A (14 matches, 21 goals). Messi made his official debut for the first team on 16 November 2003, in a ] against ],<ref>{{cite web\|publisher=FC Barcelona\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/season/2011-2012/leo-messi-made-his-debut-for-barca-s-first-team-eight-years-ago\|title=Leo Messi made his debut for Barça's first team eight years ago\|date=16 November 2011\|accessdate=28 April 2015}}</ref> before debuting for the ] team (]) on 29 November 2003 and for ] (]) on 6 March 2004. He played for both the C and B teams during the season (10 matches, five goals and five matches, zero goals, respectively).<ref name="Lionel Messi Match History Statistics">{{cite news\|url=http://kahkonen.arkku.net/messi/?matches/index/2003-04o\|title=Lionel Messi Match History Statistics\|publisher=Mika Kähkönen\|year=2012\|accessdate=28 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://hemeroteca.elmundodeportivo.es/preview/2003/11/29/pagina-46/563828/pdf.html?search=Messi\|title=Messi debuta en elBarça C en el derbifrente al Europa \|accessdate=25 September 2011 \|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://hemeroteca.elmundodeportivo.es/preview/2005/08/26/pagina-13/765467/pdf.html?search=Messi\|title=Messi estará en el stage de Peralada \|accessdate=25 September 2011 \|language=Spanish}}</ref>

			After a year at Barcelona's youth academy, ], Messi was finally enrolled in the ] (RFEF) in February 2002. Now playing in all competitions, he befriended his teammates, among whom were ] and ].{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=61–62}} After completing his growth hormone therapy aged 14,{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=149}} Messi became an integral part of the "Baby Dream Team", Barcelona's greatest-ever youth side. During his first full season (2002–03), he was top scorer with 36 goals in 30 games for the ''Cadetes'' A, who won an unprecedented treble of the league and both the Spanish and Catalan cups.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=61–62}}<ref>{{Cite news \|first=Pete \|last=Jenson \|title=Fàbregas, Messi, Piqué: Class of 2002 \|newspaper=The Independent \|date=27 March 2010 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/fabregas-messi-pique-class-of-2002-1928682.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/fabregas-messi-pique-class-of-2002-1928682.html \|archive-date=14 June 2022 \|url-status=live \|access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref> The Copa Catalunya final, a 4–1 victory over ], became known in club lore as the ''partido de la máscara'', the final of the mask. A week after suffering a broken cheekbone during a league match, Messi was allowed to start the game on the condition that he wear a plastic protector; soon hindered by the mask, he took it off and scored two goals in 10 minutes before his substitution.{{sfn\|Hunter\|2012\|pp=44–45}} At the close of the season, he received an offer to join ], his first from a foreign club, but while Fàbregas and Piqué soon left for ], he chose to remain in Barcelona.<ref name="Serviette" /><ref>{{Cite news \|title=Lionel Messi Could Have Joined Arsenal as a Teenager, Says Arsène Wenger \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=21 November 2014 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/21/arsenal-arsene-wenger-lionel-messi-barcelona \|access-date=18 July 2015 \|archive-date=7 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707002728/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/21/arsenal-arsene-wenger-lionel-messi-barcelona \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Messiah">{{Cite web \|title=The New Messiah \|publisher=FIFA \|date=5 March 2006 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2006/news/newsid=103182/index.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021172445/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2006/news/newsid=103182/index.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=21 October 2014 \|access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref>
	Less than a year after his start, manager ] gave him his league debut against ] on 16 October 2004.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-made-his-debut-for-the-first-team-nine-years-ago-today\|title=Messi made his debut for the first team nine years ago today\|date=16 October 2013\|accessdate=29 October 2014\|quote="On October 16 in 2004...it was Messi’s first game with the senior side."}}</ref><ref name="footballdb"/><ref>{{cite news \|last1=Tutton \|first1=Mark \|last2=Duke \|first2=Greg \|title=Profile: Lionel Messi \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/05/22/messi.football.best.world/index.html \|publisher=CNN \|date=22 May 2009 \|accessdate=30 May 2009 }}</ref> At 17 years and 114 days, Messi was the third-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona and youngest club player to play in La Liga, a record that would be broken by ] in September 2007. When he scored his first senior goal for the club against ] on 1 May 2005, Messi was 17 years, ten months and seven days old, becoming the youngest to ever score in a La Liga game for Barcelona,<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada07-08/10/n071016101878.html \|title=Meteoric rise in three years \|accessdate=3 May 2008 \|publisher=fcbarcelona.com}}</ref> until the record was also broken by Krkić in 2007, scoring from a Messi assist.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada07-08/10/n071020101276.html \|title=Krkic enters the record books \|accessdate=16 July 2009 \|date=21 October 2007 \|publisher=fcbarcelona.cat\|last=Nogueras \|first=Sergi}}</ref> Messi said about his former coach Rijkaard: "I'll never forget the fact that he launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only 16 or 17."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.soccerway.com/news/2009/December/10/messi-rijkaard-gave-us-more-freedom/\|title=Messi: "Rijkaard gave us more freedom"\|date=10 December 2009\|publisher=Soccerway}}</ref> During the season, Messi played also in Barcelona B (]) scoring six goals in 17 matches.<!--see talk page: [[Talk:Lionel_Messi/Archive_3#Barcelona_B_Stats-->

			Messi continued to progress through the club's ranks at a rapid pace, debuting for four youth teams during the 2003–04 season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=All time stats for Messi in the Barça youth teams \|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/1692969/all-time-stats-for-messi-in-the-bara-youth-teams \|access-date=23 September 2020 \|work=FC Barcelona}}</ref> After being named player of the tournament in four international pre-season competitions with the ''Juvenil B'', he played only one official match with the team before being promoted to the '']'', where he scored 18 goals in 11 league games.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=68–71}}<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|first=Liviu \|last=Bird \|title=Ex-Teammate, La Masia Coach Recall Lionel Messi's Early Days, Persona \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|date=5 June 2015 \|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/06/04/lionel-messi-champions-league-final-barcelona \|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref> Messi was then one of several youth players called up to strengthen a depleted first team during the international break. French winger ] explained how Messi caught the eye in a training session with ]'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."<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Giuly remembers the first time he saw Messi 'kill' his team-mates \|work=Sport \|url=http://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/giuly-remembers-the-first-time-saw-messi-kill-his-team-mates-5378823 \|date=14 September 2016}}</ref>
	===2005–06 season===
	{{Quote box
	\|quote = I have seen the player who will ] in Argentinian football and his name is Messi.
	\|source = — ] on the 18-year-old Messi, February 2006.<ref>. BBC. Retrieved 12 May 2014</ref>
	\|align = right
	\|quoted = 1
	\|width = 33%
	}}
	On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's contract; this time it was improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014.<ref name=Williams/> Messi obtained Spanish ] on 26 September 2005<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx?file=%2f2005%2f9%2f28%2fsports%2f12165057&sec=sports \|title=Good news for Barcelona as Messi gets his Spanish passport \|work=The Star\|date=28 May 2005 \|accessdate=29 May 2009}}</ref> and was finally able to make his debut in ]'s Spanish First Division. Messi's first home outing in the ] came on 27 September against Italian club ].<ref name="footballdb">{{cite news \|url=http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=222&b=true \|title=Lionel Andres Messi — FCBarcelona and Argentina \|publisher=Football Database \|accessdate=23 August 2006}}</ref> Fans at Barcelona's stadium, the ], gave Messi a standing ovation upon his ], as his composure on the ball and passing combinations with ] had paid dividends for Barcelona.<ref>{{cite news \|agency=Reuters \|url=http://in.rediff.com/sports/2005/sep/28messi.htm \|title=Ronaldinho scores the goals, Messi takes the plaudits \|publisher=Rediff\|date=28 September 2005 \|accessdate=23 August 2006}}</ref>

			{{quote box\|width=25%\|align=left\|quote="It seemed as if he had been playing with us all his life."\|source=– Barcelona's then assistant coach ] on Messi's first-team debut.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Dermot \|last=Corrigan \|title=The best quotes about Lionel Messi's 10 years at Barcelona \|work=ESPN FC \|date=16 October 2014 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2089807/the-best-quotes-about-lionel-messis-10-years-at-barcelona}}</ref>}}
	Messi netted six goals in 17 league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six. His season ended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the second leg of the second round Champions League tie against ].<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=366008&cc=3436 \|title=Frustrated Messi suffers another injury setback \|publisher=ESPN Soccernet \|date=26 April 2006 \|accessdate=22 July 2006}}</ref> Rijkaard's Barcelona ended the season as champions of Spain and Europe.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-1-barcelona-2-barcelona-crush-heroic-arsenal-in-space-of-four-brutal-minutes-478659.html \|title=Arsenal 1 Barcelona 2: Barcelona crush heroic Arsenal in space of four brutal minutes \|last=Wallace \|first=Sam \|work=The Independent \|location=Paris \|date=18 May 2006 \|accessdate=3 June 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4970966.stm \|title=Barca retain Spanish league title \|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=3 May 2006 \|accessdate=3 June 2009}}</ref>
			At 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, Messi made his first team debut when he came on in the 75th minute during a friendly against ]'s ] on 16 November 2003.<ref name="Serviette" /><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|first=Dermot \|last=Corrigan \|title=Messi Reflects on Debut 10 Years On \|work=ESPN \|date=15 November 2013 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-divisi%C3%B3n/story/1616845/lionel-messi-reflects-on-dream-barcelona-debut \|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref> His performance, creating two chances and a shot on goal, impressed the technical staff, and he subsequently began training daily with the club's reserve side, ], as well as weekly with the first team.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=191–193}} After his first training session with the senior squad, Barça's new star player, ], told his teammates that he believed the 16-year-old would become an even better player than himself.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=246–249}} Ronaldinho soon befriended Messi, whom he called "little brother", which greatly eased his transition into the first team.{{sfn\|Hunter\|2012\|p=53}}<ref name="LastJump" />

			To gain further match experience, Messi joined ] in addition to the ''Juvenil A'', playing his first game for the third team on 29 November. He helped save them from the relegation zone of the ], scoring five goals in ten games, including a hat-trick in eight minutes during a ] match while man-marked by ]'s ].{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=68–71}}{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=183–185}} His progress was reflected in his first professional contract, signed on 4 February 2004, which lasted until 2012 and contained an initial ] of €30 million. A month later, on 6 March, he made his debut for Barcelona B in the ], and his buyout clause automatically increased to €80 million.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=68–71}}{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=262–263}} He played five games with the B team that season but did not score.<ref name="Matches 2003–04">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2003–04 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2003-04 \|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref> Physically he was weaker than his opponents, who were often much older and taller, and in training he worked on increasing his muscle mass and overall strength in order to be able to shake off defenders. Towards the end of the season, he returned to both youth teams, helping the ''Juvenil B'' win the league. He finished the campaign having scored for four of his five teams with a total of 36 goals in all official competitions.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=68–71}}{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=183–185}}
	===2006–07 season===
	] group stage match against ] on 7 November 2007]]
	In the ], Messi established himself as a regular first team player, scoring 14 times in 26 matches.<ref name="nationalfootball">{{NFT player\|pid=12066\|Lionel Messi\|accessdate=17 July 2009}}</ref> On 12 November, in the game against ], Messi suffered a broken ], ruling him out for three months.<ref>{{cite press release \|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/historic_noticies/futbol/06/Novembre/n06111404.html \|title=Doctors happy with Messi op \|publisher=FCBarcelona.com \|date=14 November 2006 \|accessdate=16 November 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/index/0,2442,125576,00.html?articleid=125576 \|title=Messi to miss FIFA Club World Cup \|date=13 November 2006 \|publisher=FIFA.com/Reuters \|accessdate=18 January 2006 \|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071211061548/http://fifa.com/en/comp/index/0,2442,125576,00.html?articleid=125576 \|archivedate=11 December 2007}}</ref> On 10 March, ''El Clásico'' saw Messi in top form, scoring a ] to earn 10-man Barcelona a 3–3 draw, ] three times, with the final equaliser coming in ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/barcelona-3-real-madrid-3-magical-messi-is-barcelonas-hero-439788.html\|title=Magical Messi is Barcelona's hero\|last=Hayward \|first=Ben \|work=The Independent \|location=UK \|date=11 March 2007 \|accessdate=30 May 2009 }}</ref> In doing so he became the first player since ] (for Real Madrid in the 1994–95 season) to score a hat-trick in ''El Clásico''.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=113101.html \|title=Inter beat AC, Messi headlines derby \|date=11 March 2007 \|publisher=FIFA \|accessdate=30 May 2009}}</ref> Messi is also the youngest player ever to have scored in this fixture. Towards the end of the season he began finding the net more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/5099857/Franck-Ribery-the-man-to-challenge-Lionel-Messi-and-Barcelona.html \|title=Lionel Messi 2006/07 season statistics \|publisher=ESPN Soccernet \|accessdate=3 June 2009 \|location=London \|first=Duncan \|last=White \|date=4 April 2009}}</ref>

			== Club career ==
	] in a semi-finals match of the ] on 18 April 2007]]
			{{Main\|Career of Lionel Messi#Club career}}
	Regularly ], Messi proved the comparison was not all hype by nearly replicating the former player's most famous goals in the space of the single season.<ref name="maradonalike">{{cite news \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2311407/The-greatest-goal-ever.html \|title=The greatest goal ever? \|date=20 April 2007 \|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|last=Lowe\|first=Sid \|accessdate=7 July 2009 }}</ref> On 18 April 2007, he scored two goals during a ] semi-final against ], one of which was very similar to Maradona's ] against ] at the ] in ], known as the ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=423002&cc=3888 \|title=Messi dazzles as Barça reach Copa Final \|publisher=ESPN Soccernet\|date=18 April 2007}}</ref> The world's sports press drew comparisons with Maradona, and the Spanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/14/stories/2007071455691800.htm \|title=Can ‘Messidona’ beat Maradona? \|work=The Hindu \|date=14 July 2007 \|location=Chennai}}</ref> He ran about the same distance, {{convert\|62\|m\|ft}}, beat the same number of players (six, including the ]), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the ] just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before.<ref name="maradonalike"/> In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate ] said: "It was the best goal I have ever seen in my life."<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2311407/The-greatest-goal-ever.html \|title=The greatest goal ever? \|last=Lowe \|first=Sid \|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=20 April 2007 \|accessdate=7 May 2007 }}</ref> Against RCD Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably similar to Maradona's ] against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi launched himself at the ball and connected with his hand to guide the ball past the goalkeeper ].<ref name="Hand of Messi">{{cite news \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article1910271.ece \|title=Hand of Messi saves Barcelona \|last=Mitten \|first=Andy \|work=The Times \|location=UK \|date=10 June 2007 \|accessdate=12 January 2008 }}</ref> Despite protests by Espanyol players and replays showing it was clear ], the goal stood.<ref name="Hand of Messi"/> During his time at FC Barcelona, manager Frank Rijkaard decided to move Messi from the left flank onto the right wing, initially against the player's wishes, allowing him to cut into the centre of the pitch and shoot or cross with his left foot.<ref name=2012FT>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Messi \|first=Ronald \|last=Reng \|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/cfa0d296-8672-11e0-9d5c-00144feabdc0.html \|work=Financial Times \|date=27 May 2011 \|accessdate=10 June 2012 }}</ref>

			=== Barcelona (2004–2021) ===
	===2007–08 season===
			==== 2004–2008: Rise to the first team ====
	] in ] match on 22 September 2007.]]
			], where he played for 17 years.]]
	Messi was nominated for a ] under the category of Forward.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://worldx1.fifpro.org/index.php?mod=plink&id=14697\|title=FIFPro World XI\|publisher=FIFPro\|accessdate=30 May 2009}}{{dead link\|date=December 2012}}</ref> A poll conducted in the online edition of the Spanish newspaper '']'' had him as the best player in the world with 77 percent of the vote.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://archivo.marca.com/futbol/2007/messi_kun/handicho.html\|title=El fútbol a sus pies\|last=Villalobos\|first=Fran\|work=Marca\|location=Spain\|language=Spanish\|date=10 April 2007\|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> Columnists from Barcelona-based newspapers '']'' and '']'' stated that the Ballon d'Or should be given to Messi, a view supported by ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=447107\|title=Si Messi sigue trabajando así, será como Maradona y Pelé\|last=Fest\|first=Leandro\|work=Sport\|location=Spain\|language=Spanish\|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> and other football personalities, such as ], who declared Messi to be one of the best footballers in the world.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/internacional/es/desarrollo/1063306.html\|title=Totti le daría el Balón de Oro a Messi antes que a Kaká\|work=Marca\|location=Spain \|language=Spanish\|date=29 November 2007 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> Messi finished third in the ], behind ] and ], and finished second in the ] award, once again behind Kaká. He also came in third in the ] World's Best Playmaker Award, once again behind Kaká and ].<ref>{{cite web\|title=2007 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award\|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?a433ccd423dce837ccad5e99a54505fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a3a11\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref>
			Messi would begin the ] as a guaranteed starter for the ] team, but after some lobbying by the senior players, he would be promoted to the first team by manager ].{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=246–249}} He made his ] debut for Barcelona on 16 October 2004 against ],<ref name="Serviette" /> and scored his first senior goal on 1 May 2005 against ], from an assist by ], becoming at that time the youngest-ever scorer for the club.{{sfn\|Hunter\|2012\|pp=35–36}}<ref>{{cite news \|first=Richard \|last=Williams \|title=Messi Has All the Qualities to Take World by Storm \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=24 February 2006 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/24/championsleague1 \|access-date=19 July 2015 \|archive-date=6 December 2008 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206234603/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2006/feb/24/championsleague1 \|url-status=live}}</ref> At 17 years, three months, and 22 days old, he was at the time the youngest player to represent Barcelona in an official competition, and the club would win the ] during that season.<ref name="LastJump">{{cite news \|first=Rafael \|last=Carbonell \|title=El Último Salto de la 'Pulga' \|trans-title=The Last Jump of the 'Flea' \|newspaper=El País \|date=26 October 2004 \|language=es \|url=http://elpais.com/diario/2004/10/26/deportes/1098741604_850215.html \|access-date=19 July 2015 \|archive-date=8 December 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208171912/http://elpais.com/diario/2004/10/26/deportes/1098741604_850215.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MessiDriven">{{cite web \|first=Graham \|last=Hunter \|title=Messi, Iniesta and Xavi Driven to Join the Champions League Elite \|work=ESPN \|date=4 June 2015 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2479062/messi-iniesta-xavi-can-join-champions-league-greats \|access-date=19 July 2015 \|archive-date=23 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723184250/http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2479062/messi-iniesta-xavi-can-join-champions-league-greats \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			On his 18th birthday, he would sign his first contract as a senior team player, which would be updated three months later to keep him at the club until 2014.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=262–263}}<ref name="Starlet">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Starlet Messi Stays at Barça until 2014 \|work=ESPN \|date=17 September 2005 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/342857 \|access-date=20 July 2015}}</ref> Barcelona would begin the ] by winning the ] without Messi, who was not selected to participate in the competition.<ref name="FirstMiami" /> By the end of the season, the team would win ] again as well as the ], although Messi would not play in the ] for the latter due to injury.{{sfn\|Hunter\|2012\|pp=266–269}}<ref>{{cite news \|title=Lionel Messi has admitted he 'deeply regrets' missing Barcelona's Champions League final celebrations in 2006 \|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/liga/2021-2022/lionel-messi-has-admitted-he-deeply-regrets-missing-barcelonas-champions-league-final-celebrations-i_sto8656843/story.shtml \|access-date=9 May 2023 \|work=Eurosport \|archive-date=22 January 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122205211/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/liga/2021-2022/lionel-messi-has-admitted-he-deeply-regrets-missing-barcelonas-champions-league-final-celebrations-i_sto8656843/story.shtml \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	On 27 February, Messi played in his 100th official match for Barcelona against ] <ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=700689.html\|title=Xavi late show saves Barca\|publisher=FIFA\|date=27 February 2008 \|accessdate=27 May 2009}}</ref> but only a few days later he was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during a Champions League match against ]. It was the fourth time in three seasons that Messi suffered this type of injury.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2008/03/05/lionel-messi.html?ref=rss\|title=Barcelona's Lionel Messi sidelined with thigh injury\|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation \|date=5 March 2008 \|accessdate=14 June 2009}}</ref> Messi scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist during the Champions League that season, as Barcelona were knocked out in the semi-finals, to the eventual winners ]. When the season was over Messi had managed to score 16 goals and assisted 13 times in all competitions.

			During the ], Messi scored his first ] in a '']'' against ], the first player to do so in 12 years.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=There's Something about Messi \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=12 March 2007 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/12/europeanfootball.sport1 \|access-date=21 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618155307/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/12/europeanfootball.sport1 \|url-status=live}}</ref> An incredibly finesse goal from Messi against ] and another goal scored by a handball against Espanyol gained notice for their similarities to the two famous goals scored by fellow Argentine ] in the ], drawing ] that Messi would face throughout his career.<ref name="Hawkey">{{#invoke:Cite news\|\|first=Ian \|last=Hawkey \|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lionel-messi-on-a-mission-6d7lwj26fmw \|title=Lionel Messi on a Mission \|work=The Times \|url-access=subscription \|date=20 April 2008 \|access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Andy \|last=Mitten \|title=Hand of Messi Saves Barcelona \|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hand-of-messi-saves-barcelona-q8dgljbwzx7 \|work=The Times \|url-access=subscription \|date=10 June 2007 \|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="Maradona">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Christopher \|last=Davies \|title=Maradona Hails His Successor \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=24 February 2006 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2332685/Maradona-hails-his-successor.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2332685/Maradona-hails-his-successor.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=21 July 2015}}{{cbignore}} {{Subscription required\|date=November 2021}}</ref> The team finished the season with only one trophy – the ]. Barcelona would finish the next ] trophyless, leading to Rijkaard's departure.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Ingla: Rijkaard to Blame for Barça Decline \|work=ESPN \|date=19 May 2008 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/536834/rijkaard-to-blame-for-barca-decline-ingla \|access-date=21 July 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135656/http://www.espnfc.com/story/536834/rijkaard-to-blame-for-barca-decline-ingla \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2008–09 season===
	Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his ] jersey. During the season he placed second in the ] award with 678 points and third in the 2008 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award for the second consecutive year,<ref>{{cite web\|title=2008 World's Best Playmaker Award\|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?a433ccd423dce837ccad5e99a57505fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a3900\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref> also placing second in the ] behind the winner ], once again.

			==== 2008–2012: Success under Pep Guardiola ====
	] at the ]]]
			At the beginning of the ], his first under Barcelona's new manager, former captain ], Messi was given the ] shirt.<ref name="MessiRonaldinho">{{cite web \|title=Messi Has Ronaldinho's Number \|work=FIFA \|date=4 August 2008 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/837/571/index.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328054707/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/837/571/index.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=28 March 2015 \|access-date=20 July 2015}}</ref> Over time, he effectively became the tactical focal point of Guardiola's possession-based system, increasing his goalscoring rate as a result.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=476–478}} During that season, Messi scored 38 total goals, and alongside ] and ], contributed to a total of 100 goals in all competitions, a record at the time for the club.<ref name="Matches 2008–09">{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2008–09 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2008-09 \|access-date=24 July 2015 \|archive-date=9 December 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209091527/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2008-09 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Lee \|last=Roden \|title=Are Messi, Suarez and Neymar Barcelona's Best-Ever Front Three? \|publisher=ESPN \|date=20 April 2015 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2408047/barcelona-trio-of-lionel-messi-neymar-and-luis-suarez-the-clubs-best-ever \|access-date=24 July 2015 \|archive-date=15 June 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615103455/http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2408047/barcelona-trio-of-lionel-messi-neymar-and-luis-suarez-the-clubs-best-ever \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi played as a ] for the first time in a ''Clásico'' against Real Madrid, setting up his side's first goal and scoring twice in the team's greatest-ever score at ].{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=453–459}}<ref>{{cite news \|title=Real Madrid v Barcelona: Six of the Best 'El Clásicos' \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=9 December 2011 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/8946213/Real-Madrid-v-Barcelona-six-of-the-best-El-Clasicos.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/8946213/Real-Madrid-v-Barcelona-six-of-the-best-El-Clasicos.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=24 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He played his first ], winning the ].<ref>{{cite news \|title=Barcelona Defeat Athletic Bilbao to Win Copa del Rey \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=14 May 2009 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/5321324/Barcelona-defeat-Athletic-Bilbao-to-win-Copa-del-Rey.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/5321324/Barcelona-defeat-Athletic-Bilbao-to-win-Copa-del-Rey.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=24 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In addition, Barcelona won the ] and later won the ], thus achieving the first ] in the history of Spanish football.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Phil \|last=McNulty \|title=Barcelona 2–0 Man Utd \|work=BBC Sport \|date=27 May 2009 \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8060878.stm \|access-date=26 July 2015}}</ref>
	Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a ] tie against ] which Barcelona won 3–1.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://mobile.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=387234\|title=Messi scores hat trick in Barca's 3–1 win over Atletico\|work=Shanghai Daily \|date=7 January 2009 \|accessdate=29 May 2009}}</ref> Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as a second-half substitute to help Barcelona defeat ] 1–2 after being 1–0 down. The second of the two strikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iZaLqalXOwOJ2FwjihA3svGql1Mw \|title=Supersub Messi fires 5,000-goal Barcelona to comeback victory \|agency=Agence France-Presse \|date=1 February 2009 \|accessdate=1 February 2009}}</ref> On 8 April 2009, he scored twice against ] in the Champions League, setting a personal record of eight goals in the competition.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-04-09-2372732048_x.htm\|title=Barcelona returns to earth with league match\|work=USA Today \|date=9 April 2009 \|accessdate=7 July 2009\|last=Logothetis\|first=Paul}}</ref>

			] in 2009.]]
	As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all competitions) to cap a 6–2 win over ] Real Madrid at the ]<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/may/02/la-liga-real-madrid-barcelona\|title=Barcelona run riot at Real Madrid and put Chelsea on notice\|last=Lowe\|first=Sid\|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=2 May 2009 \|accessdate=31 May 2009 }}</ref> in what was Real's heaviest defeat since 1930. He won his first ] on 13 May, scoring one goal and assisting another two, in a 4–1 victory over ], finishing the competition with 6 goals and 2 assists.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Andrés Messi\|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/castellano/futbol/temporada_08-09/estadistiques/jugadors/Messi/fitxa.html\|accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/5321324/Barcelona-defeat-Athletic-Bilbao-to-win-Copa-del-Rey.html\|title=Barcelona defeat Athletic Bilbao to win Copa del Rey\|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=14 May 2009 \|accessdate=28 May 2009 }}</ref> He helped his team win the double by winning La Liga, scoring league 23 goals and providing 11 assists that season.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Spanish Primera Division, 2008-09 Season Statistics: Assists\|url=http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/15/statistics/assists?season=2008\|accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the Champions League by scoring a second goal in the ] during the 70th minute, giving Barcelona a two-goal lead; he also became the top scorer in the Champions League, the youngest in the tournament's history, with nine goals, also setting up five more in the competition that season.<ref>{{cite web\|title=UEFA Champions League 2008-09 Season, Statistics: Assists\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2009/statistics/round=15276/players/type=assists/index.html\|accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/index.html\|title=Messi sweeps up goalscoring honours\|publisher=UEFA \|date=27 May 2009 \|accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> Messi also won the ] and the ] rounding off a spectacular year in Europe.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/newsid=877275.html\|title=Messi recognised as Europe's finest\|publisher=UEFA \|date=28 August 2009 \|accessdate=30 August 2009}}</ref> Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, ] and Champions League in one season;<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=251667\|title=Barcelona win treble in style\|publisher=Gulf Daily News\|date=28 May 2009\|accessdate=28 May 2009}}</ref> the first time a Spanish club had ever won the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWWxxsWEy4ekZn5IvfAjneYuubSQ?docId=CNG.8b0cf6a3d9ffa4d3336f8d5f0d70f669.3e1&index=0\|title=Barcelona eclipse dream team with historic treble\|agency=Agence France-Presse\|date=31 May 2009\|accessdate=3 June 2009}}</ref> The all-star attacking trio of Messi (38 goals), ] (36 goals) and ] (26 goals) scored exactly 100 goals between them in all competitions during the club's historic treble year.<ref>. ESPN. Retrieved 24 August 2014</ref>
			During the first half of the ], Barcelona would also win the ], ] and ], resulting in becoming the first club to achieve the sextuple.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Tom \|last=Adams \|title=The Treble Club \|work=] \|date=21 May 2010 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/788735/the-treble-club-previous-winners \|access-date=26 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023012747/http://www.espnfc.com/story/788735/the-treble-club-previous-winners \|archive-date=23 October 2017 \|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Barcelona Beat Estudiantes to Win the Club World Cup \|work=BBC Sport \|date=19 December 2009 \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8422908.stm \|access-date=26 July 2015 \|archive-date=23 March 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323005910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8422908.stm \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi finished as the ], the youngest in the tournament's history.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi Sweeps up Goalscoring Honours \|publisher=UEFA \|date=28 May 2009 \|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=833286.html \|access-date=26 July 2015 \|archive-date=10 May 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510012328/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=833286.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> For his efforts in 2009, Messi won the ] and the ] award.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=519–524}} Messi scored a total of 47 goals in all competitions, equaling ]'s club record from the ].<ref name="Matches 2009–10">{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2009–10 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2009-10 \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 March 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318114330/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2009-10 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Deserve">{{cite news \|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=La Liga Title the Least Barcelona Deserve as Madrid Again Finish Empty Handed \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=17 May 2010 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/may/17/la-liga-title-barcelona-madrid \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 August 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818155457/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/may/17/la-liga-title-barcelona-madrid \|url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the season as top scorer in the ],<ref>{{cite news \|first=Andrew \|last=Haslam \|title=Messi Takes Scoring Plaudits \|newspaper=Uefa.com \|publisher=UEFA \|date=22 May 2010 \|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1490400.html \|access-date=27 July 2010 \|archive-date=22 March 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322200627/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1490400.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> and La Liga, winning his ] trophy and earned his first ].<ref name="Deserve" /><ref>{{cite news \|first=Joseph \|last=Wilson \|title=Messi Receives Golden Boot for Top European Scorer \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|date=30 September 2010 \|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/sep/30/messi-receives-golden-boot-for-top-european-scorer/ \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=27 August 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827235600/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/sep/30/messi-receives-golden-boot-for-top-european-scorer/ \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	{{clear left}}

			In the ], Messi won the ],<ref>{{cite web \|title=Magic Messi Wins Supercopa for Barça \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=21 August 2010 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/816500/magic-lionel-messi-wins-supercopa-for-barca \|access-date=27 July 2010 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140127/http://www.espnfc.com/story/816500/magic-lionel-messi-wins-supercopa-for-barca \|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news \|first=Phil \|last=McNulty \|title=Barcelona 3–1 Man Utd \|work=BBC Sport \|date=28 May 2011 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13576522 \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=28 January 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128030307/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13576522 \|url-status=live}}</ref> and a third consecutive ]. His club performances in 2010 earned him his second consecutive ].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=Lionel Messi Is the World's Best Player but Xavi Deserved FIFA's Award \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=11 January 2011 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/jan/11/lionel-messi-xavi-ballon-dor \|access-date=27 July 2015}}</ref> Messi was the top scorer in the Champions League, for the third consecutive year,<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top Scorer Messi Matches Van Nistelrooy Mark \|newspaper=Uefa.com \|publisher=UEFA \|date=28 May 2011 \|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1634951.html \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 May 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530025624/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1634951.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> and the league's top scorer and assist provider.<ref name="Matches 2010–11">{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2010–11 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2010-11 \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630194758/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2010-11 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Spanish Primera División Statistics: Top Assists 2010–11 \|publisher=ESPN FC \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/15/statistics/assists?season=2010 \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=9 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709063314/http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/15/statistics/assists?season=2010 \|url-status=live}}</ref> He became Barcelona's all-time single-season top scorer with 53 goals.<ref name="Matches 2010–11" /><ref name="Sublime">{{cite news \|first1=Tony \|last1=Cascarino \|first2=Patrick \|last2=Barclay \|title=Is Sublime Lionel Messi the Greatest Footballer Ever? \|newspaper=The Times \|url-access=subscription \|date=27 May 2011 \|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/europe/article3041129.ece \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=17 May 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517125621/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/europe/article3041129.ece \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2009–10 season===
	{{Quote box \|quote=Once he's on a run with the ball he's unstoppable He's a ]. He can take advantage of every mistake we make. \|source=— Arsenal manager ], after Barcelona ], 6 April 2010<ref name="Arsene Wenger comments about Lionel Messi 2010">{{cite web \|first=John \|last=Cross \|title=Wenger: Unstoppable Messi is like a PlayStation \|url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Unstoppable-Lionel-Messi-is-like-a-PlayStation-says-Arsenal-boss-Arsene-Wenger-after-Barcelona-Champions-League-masterclass-article383291.html \|work=Daily Mirror \|date=6 April 2010 \|accessdate=20 November 2013 }}</ref> \|align=right \|quoted=1 \|width=33% }}
	After winning the ], Barcelona manager ] asserted that Messi was probably the best player he had ever seen.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/08/29/futbol/1251499664.html\|title=Messi es el mejor jugador que veré jamás\|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo \|date=29 August 2009 \|accessdate=29 August 2009 \|language=Spanish}}</ref> This would also be the season in which Guardiola would first move Messi from the position of ] into his now iconic "]" role in the centre of the front line at Barcelona.<ref>{{cite web\|title=False 9: Guardiola's Barcelona Reinventing Total Football\|url=http://thefalse9.blogspot.ca/2012/04/guardiolas-barcelona-reinventing-total.html\|accessdate=10 June 2012}}</ref> On 18 September, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona, running until 2016 and with a buy-out clause of €250 million included, making Messi, then along with ], the highest paid players in La Liga, with earnings of around €9.5 million yearly.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/09/n090918106811.html\|title=Leo Messi extends his stay at Barça\|publisher=fcbarcelona.com\|date=18 September 2009 \|accessdate=18 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8184399.stm\|title=Messi signs new deal at Barcelona\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=18 September 2009\|accessdate=18 September 2009}}</ref>

			{{quote box\|width=25%\|align=right\|quote="I feel sorry for those who want to compete for Messi's throne – it's impossible, this kid is unique."\|source=– ] after Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer at the age of 24 in March 2012<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Paul \|last=Hayward \|title=FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012: Lionel Messi Rewarded for Displays No Rival Could Ever Match \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=7 January 2013 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9786403/Fifa-Ballon-dOr-2012-Lionel-Messi-rewarded-for-displays-no-rival-could-ever-match.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9786403/Fifa-Ballon-dOr-2012-Lionel-Messi-rewarded-for-displays-no-rival-could-ever-match.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=30 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>}}
	] in the semi-finals of the ] on 16 December 2009]]
			Messi began the ] winning both the ] and ] trophies.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Tempers Flare into Brawl as Barcelona Beats Real Madrid \|newspaper=USA Today \|date=17 August 2011 \|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/europe/2011-08-17-supercup-brawl-barcelona-real-madrid_n.htm \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 October 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018175757/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/europe/2011-08-17-supercup-brawl-barcelona-real-madrid_n.htm \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|first=Henry \|last=Winter \|title=Barcelona 2 Porto 0: Match Report \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=26 August 2011 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/8726103/Barcelona-2-Porto-0-match-report.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/8726103/Barcelona-2-Porto-0-match-report.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=30 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At the close of the year, he won the ] and earned the ] for a second time.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Barcelona Win FIFA Club World Cup \|work=BBC Sport \|date=18 December 2011 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16234168 \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=22 December 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222225555/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16234168 \|url-status=live}}</ref> For his efforts in 2011, he received the ], becoming only the fourth player in history to win the Ballon d'Or three times,<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi Crowned World's Best \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=9 January 2012 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/1006543/2011-fifa-ballon-dor-lionel-messi-crowned-worlds-best \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=5 April 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405232008/http://www.espnfc.com/story/1006543/2011-fifa-ballon-dor-lionel-messi-crowned-worlds-best \|url-status=live}}</ref> and the inaugural ].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi Wins UEFA Best Player in Europe Award \|publisher=UEFA \|date=25 August 2011 \|url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/awards/news/0250-0c50f3bb01f8-2230f3d90345-1000--messi-wins-uefa-best-player-in-europe-award/ \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 August 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818090834/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/awards/news/0250-0c50f3bb01f8-2230f3d90345-1000--messi-wins-uefa-best-player-in-europe-award/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> During the year 2012, Messi became the second player to be top scorer in four Champions League campaigns.<ref>{{cite web \|title=UEFA Champions League 2011–12: Statistics \|publisher=UEFA \|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/statistics/index.html \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=22 March 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322121657/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/statistics/index.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Record-Breaking Messi Takes Top Scorer Honour \|publisher=UEFA \|date=19 May 2012 \|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1795767.html \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=10 May 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510004431/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1795767.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi became the top goalscorer in Barcelona's history at 24 years old, overtaking the 57-year record of ]'s 232 goals with a hat-trick against ].<ref>{{:cite news \|title=Lionel Messi as Dominant as Michael Jordan, Claims Barcelona's Pep Guardiola, After He Breaks Goal Record \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=21 March 2012 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9157192/Lionel-Messi-as-dominant-as-Michael-Jordan-claims-Barcelonas-Pep-Guardiola-after-he-breaks-goal-record.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9157192/Lionel-Messi-as-dominant-as-Michael-Jordan-claims-Barcelonas-Pep-Guardiola-after-he-breaks-goal-record.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=30 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He finished ] as league top scorer in Spain and Europe for a second time, with 50 goals, a La Liga record, while his ] made him the single-season top scorer in the history of European club football excluding regional and local competitions.<ref>{{cite magazine \|title=Lionel Messi Receives Golden Boot Award as Europe's Top Scorer \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|date=29 October 2012 \|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2012/10/29/lionel-messi-golden-boot-barcelona-ap \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=17 October 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017043849/https://www.si.com/soccer/2012/10/29/lionel-messi-golden-boot-barcelona-ap \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi Smashes Müller's 40-Year Record \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=9 December 2012 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/1258108/messi-breaks-40-year-record-with-86th-goal-of-2012 \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=7 April 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407214629/http://www.espnfc.com/story/1258108/messi-breaks-40-year-record-with-86th-goal-of-2012 \|url-status=live}}</ref> The team would also win the ] that season, their 14th trophy under Guardiola, who resigned following the season after a four-year cycle of success.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Andy \|last=Brassell \|title=Pep Guardiola Leaves Lasting Legacy at Barcelona \|work=BBC Sport \|date=27 April 2012 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17867892 \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=17 October 2013 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017214415/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17867892 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Messi was named winner of the ] on 1 December 2009, beating runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo by largest ever margin of 473 to 233.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8387679.stm\|title=Barcelona forward Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or award\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=1 December 2009\|accessdate=1 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/01/2759069.htm\|title=Messi wins prestigious Ballon d'Or award\|publisher=ABC Sport\|date=1 December 2009 \|accessdate=10 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/lionel-messi-a-rare-talent-1831871.html\|title=Lionel Messi: A rare talent\|work=The Independent \|location=UK \|date=1 December 2009 \|accessdate=10 December 2009 \|last=Barnett\|first=Phil }}</ref> He also placed second in the 2009 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award,<ref>{{cite web\|title=2009 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award\|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?a433ccd423dce837ccad5e99a57505fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a3816\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref> behind team mate ].

			==== 2012–2014: Record-breaking year and ''Messidependencia'' ====
	On 19 December, Messi scored the winner in the final of the ] against ] in ], giving the club their sixth title of the year.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=285375&cc=5739&league=FIFA.CWC\|title=Messi seals number six\|date=19 December 2009 \|publisher=ESPN Soccernet\|accessdate=21 December 2009}}</ref> Two days later, he was given the ], beating Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Kaká and ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/archive/edition=1999902009/news/newsid=1151399/index.html\|title=Messi takes first award, Marta obtains record-breaking fourth crown\|date=21 December 2009\|work=FIFA.com\|accessdate=30 June 2013}}</ref> This was the first time he had won the award, and he became the first Argentine to ever receive this honour.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=716683&sec=world&cc=5901\|title=FC Barcelona's Messi wins World Player of the Year\|date=21 December 2009 \|publisher=ESPN Soccernet\|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> On 10 January 2010, Messi scored his first hat-trick in 2010 and his first hat-trick of the season against ] in the 0–5 victory, and on 17 January he scored his 100th goal for the club in the 4–0 victory over Sevilla FC.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/catala/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/01/n100117108826.html\|title=Messi 101: el golejador centenari més jove\|date=17 January 2010\|publisher=fcbarcelona.cat\|accessdate=17 January 2010 \|language=Catalan\|last=Bogunyà\|first=Roger}}</ref>
			]
			For the start of the ], Barcelona had virtually secured their La Liga title by the start of 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=A Sense of Anticlimax but Barcelona Still Deserve Their La Liga Title \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=13 May 2013 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/may/13/barcelona-title-anti-climax \|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> A double scored against ] saw Messi becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer in La Liga, and surpassed ]'s record of most goals scored in a calendar year; Messi would score a record 91 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina throughout 2012.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Iain \|last=Rogers \|title=Fatherhood Hasn't Slowed Record-Breaking Messi \|work=Reuters \|date=10 December 2012 \|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-spain-messi-idUKL5E8NA1RM20121210 \|access-date=9 August 2015 \|archive-date=8 April 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408012732/https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-spain-messi-idUKL5E8NA1RM20121210 \|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MostDecorated">{{cite news \|first=Majid \|last=Mohamed \|title=Barcelona's Lionel Messi Becomes Most Decorated Player in History after Winning Unprecedented Fourth Straight Ballon d'Or \|newspaper=The Independent \|date=8 January 2013 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/barcelonas-lionel-messi-becomes-most-decorated-player-in-history-after-winning-unprecedented-fourth-8441605.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/barcelonas-lionel-messi-becomes-most-decorated-player-in-history-after-winning-unprecedented-fourth-8441605.html \|archive-date=14 June 2022 \|url-status=live \|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> Messi again won the ], becoming the first player in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times.<ref name="MostDecorated" /><ref>{{cite news \|first=Saj \|last=Chowdhury \|title=Ballon d'Or Contenders Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta in Profile \|work=BBC Sport \|date=9 January 2013 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20910453 \|access-date=9 August 2015 \|archive-date=7 January 2013 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107134704/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20910453 \|url-status=live}}</ref> He signed a new contract committing himself to the club through 2018, and wore the captain's armband for the first time in a league match against ].{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|p=556}}<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Messi Signs New Barcelona Deal \|publisher=CNN \|date=7 February 2013 \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/07/sport/football/football-leo-messi-barcelona/ \|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|first=Iain \|last=Rogers \|title=Captain Messi Inspires Another Barça League Triumph \|work=Reuters \|date=11 May 2013 \|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-messi-idUKBRE94A0GW20130511 \|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> His input into the team's attack had increased; from 24% in their treble-winning campaign, his goal contribution rose to more than 40% that season.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2015\|loc=ch. 38}} These statistics, as well as lopsided losses in the Champions League where Messi was unfit, gave credence to the notion of ''Messidependencia'', Barcelona's perceived tactical and psychological dependence on their star player.<ref name="Messidependencia">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=Messidependencia Brought into Focus as Barcelona Show Vulnerability \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=11 April 2013 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/apr/11/lionel-messi-barcelona-psg-champions-league \|access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> The team would win ] again that year, Messi's sixth, equalling Real Madrid's 100-point record of the previous season. With 60 goals in all competitions, including 46 goals in La Liga, he finished the campaign as league top scorer in Spain and Europe for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player in history to win the ] three times.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Lionel Messi Awarded Golden Shoe for Third Time after 46 La Liga Goals for Barcelona \|newspaper=The Independent \|date=20 November 2013 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/lionel-messi-awarded-golden-shoe-for-third-time-after-46-la-liga-goals-for-barcelona-8951828.html \|access-date=9 August 2015 \|archive-date=22 May 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522051148/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/lionel-messi-awarded-golden-shoe-for-third-time-after-46-la-liga-goals-for-barcelona-8951828.html \|url-status=dead}}</ref>

			To offset the load on Messi, Barcelona would sign Brazilian forward ] from ] before the ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/santos-fc-to-face-fc-barcelona-in-the-joan-gamper-trophy-on-august-2 \|title=Santos FC to face FC Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy \|publisher=FCBarcelona.com \|date=28 June 2013 \|access-date=29 June 2013}}</ref> The team would win the ] at the beginning of the season.<ref>{{cite web\|url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/29/barcelona-super-cup-atletico-madrid-messi\|title= Barcelona win Super Cup against Atlético despite Messi's penalty miss\|date= 28 August 2013\|work= Guardian\|access-date= 29 August 2013\|archive-date= 21 January 2021\|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210121010350/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/29/barcelona-super-cup-atletico-madrid-messi\|url-status= live}}</ref> Messi finished the campaign with his worst output in five seasons, though he still managed to score 41 goals in all competitions.<ref name="OneFlick">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=One Flick of Lionel Messi's Left Foot Ends Talk of Crisis at Barcelona \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=12 March 2014 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/mar/12/lionel-messi-barcelona-champions-league-manchester-city \|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> For the first time in five years, Barcelona ended the season without a major trophy.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Barcelona's Lionel Messi: I Had a Lot of Problems during 2013–14 Season \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=19 February 2014 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/story/2306392/barcelona-lionel-messi-i-had-a-lot-of-problems-during-2013-14-season \|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref>
	Messi scored a hat-trick against Valencia CF in a 3–0 home win,<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://sports.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/sud/story.asp?i=20100314202145360000101&ref=hea&tm=&src=LASOC \|title=Messi hat-trick as Barcelona beats Valencia 3–0 \|work=Sports Illustrated \|date=14 March 2010 \|first=Guy \|last=Hedgecoe \|accessdate=8 November 2010}}</ref> and finally he scored another hat-trick against Real Zaragoza in a 4–2 away win,<ref>{{cite news \|first=Jacob \|last=Steinberg \|title=Lionel Messi sends warning to Arsenal with another hat-trick \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/21/lionel-messi-arsenal-hat-trick \|work=The Guardian \|location=London \|date=21 March 2010 \|accessdate=22 March 2010 }}</ref> becoming the first Barcelona player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in La Liga.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Nadie marcó dos ‘hat trick’ seguidos \|url=http://www.sport.es/es/?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=698276 \|date=23 March 2010 \|accessdate=23 March 2010 \|language=Spanish }}</ref> He played his 200th official match for Barcelona against ] on 24 March 2010.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1475100.html \|title=Match facts: Barcelona v Inter \|publisher=UEFA \|date=25 April 2010 \|accessdate=8 November 2010 }}</ref>

			==== 2014–2017: Arrival of Luis Enrique and birth of MSN ====
	On 6 April 2010, for the first time in Messi's career he scored four goals in a single match, netting the lot in a 4–1 home win over ] in the ], which allowed him to finish the season as the competition's top scorer for the second consecutive year, with 8 goals.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2010-04-06-985993008_x.htm \|title=Messi scores four as Barcelona beats Arsenal 4–1 \|work=USA Today \|date=6 April 2010 \|accessdate=8 November 2010 \|first=Paul \|last=Logothetis }}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/07/barcelona-arsenal-lionel-messi \|title=Arsène Wenger hails Barcelona's Lionel Messi after four-goal display \|agency=Press Association \|work=The Guardian \|date=7 April 2010 \|accessdate=13 January 2012 \|location=London}}</ref> This also saw him overtake ] as Barcelona's all time greatest scorer in the competition.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8602344.stm\|title=Barcelona 4–1 Arsenal\|date=6 April 2010\|publisher=BBC Sport \|first=Stuart\|last=Roach\|accessdate=6 April 2010}}</ref> In the final league match of the season against Valladolid, he scored two goals in the second half to tie ] club record of 34 goals in a single league season, set in ], and to finish four goals behind the all-time record which was held by ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://berita8.com/news.php?cat=20&id=22250 \|title=Messi Peroleh Gelar El Pichichi Dan Sepatu Emas \|publisher=berita8.com \|date=17 May 2010 \|accessdate=2 June 2010}}</ref> He won the ], and was also named La Liga ] for the second year in a row on 3 June 2010.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.marca.com/2010/06/03/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1275550866.html \|title=Messi se corona como el mejor jugador de la Liga \|work=Marca\|location=Spain \|date=3 June 2010 \|accessdate=3 June 2010 }}</ref> He finished the season with 47 goals in all competitions, tying Ronaldo's record from the ] season, and he provided 11 assists.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Messi Equals Ronaldo's Barcelona Record \|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-05-16/sports/27064563_1_lionel-messi-camp-nou-barcelona-coach-pep-guardiola \|accessdate=16 June 2012 \|location=New York \|work=Daily News \|date=16 May 2010 }}</ref>
			] of ] during the ].]]
			Barcelona hired coach ] before the ], and would continue to aid Messi in the attack by signing Uruguayan forward ], who had won the European Golden Shoe the year before at ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27477125\|title=Barcelona appoint Luis Enrique as first-team coach\|publisher=BBC Sport\|date=19 May 2014\|access-date=19 May 2014\|archive-date=19 May 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519221816/https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27477125\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/fc-barcelona-and-liverpool-fc-have-reached-an-agreement-for-the-transfer-of-luis-suarez \|title=Suárez joins Barça. \|publisher=FCBarcelona.com \|date=11 July 2014 \|access-date=30 July 2014 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712034551/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/fc-barcelona-and-liverpool-fc-have-reached-an-agreement-for-the-transfer-of-luis-suarez \|archive-date=12 July 2014 }}</ref> Luis Enrique's system would feature quick transitions from defense to attack, led by the front three of Messi, Suárez and Neymar. The attacking trio, which colloquially became known as 'MSN', would break goalscoring records.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2463053-complete-analysis-of-the-new-look-barcelona-under-luis-enrique\|title=Complete analysis of the new-look Barcelona under Luis Enrique\|publisher=Bleacher Report\|last=Tighe\|first=Sam\|date=13 May 2015\|access-date=19 June 2021\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210619164850/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2463053-complete-analysis-of-the-new-look-barcelona-under-luis-enrique\|archive-date=19 June 2021}}</ref> A hat-trick scored against ] earlier in the season would also make him the ], as he surpassed the 59-year record of 251 league goals held by ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Lionel Messi: Barcelona Forward Will Leave 'Unreachable' Record \|work=BBC Sport \|date=23 November 2015 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30165949 \|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> After securing the ], the ], and the ] that year, Messi helped Barcelona become the first club to win the continental treble twice.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Jonathan \|last=Jurejko \|title=Bayern Mun 3–2 Barcelona \|work=BBC Sport \|date=12 May 2015 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32683310 \|access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Sam \|last=Borden \|title=Barcelona Overwhelms Juventus to Win Fifth Champions League Title \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=6 June 2015 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/07/sports/soccer/barcelona-defeats-juventus-in-champions-league-final.html \|access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref> He would record 58 goals, but combined with Neymar and Suárez, the attacking trio scored a total of 122 goals in all competitions that season, a record in Spanish football.<ref name="TooGood">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=Barcelona's Luis Suárez, Leo Messi and Neymar Too Good for Juventus \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=6 June 2015 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/06/barcelona-luis-suarez-lionel-messi-juventus-champions-league-final \|access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref>

			Messi opened the ] by helping Barcelona's win over Sevilla in the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Lionel Messi Says Free Kick Goals in UEFA Super Cup Were 'Lucky' \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=11 August 2015 \|url=http://www.espnfc.us/barcelona/story/2559713/lionel-messi-calls-free-kick-goals-in-uefa-super-cup-lucky \|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref> Messi capped off the year by winning the ] ] over ] in ], collecting his fifth club trophy of the calendar year.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-club-world-cup/story/2765338/lionel-messi-club-world-cup-shows-barcelona-are-world-best \|title=Lionel Messi: Club World Cup triumph proves Barcelona are 'best in the world' \|publisher=ESPN FC \|first=Dermot \|last=Corrigan \|date=20 December 2015 \|access-date=21 December 2015}}</ref> On 11 January 2016, Messi won the ] for a record fifth time in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/fifa/243/post/2784555/lionel-messi-wins-2015-ballon-dor-ahead-of-ronaldo-neymar \|title=Lionel Messi wins 2015 Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar \|first=Dermot \|last=Corrigon \|date=12 January 2016}}</ref> He would end the season by winning ] as well as the ] again.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/02/03/lionel-messis-500th-goal-shows-off-scintillating-skill/ \|title=Lionel Messi's 500th goal shows off scintillating skill \|newspaper=The Washington Post \|first=Des \|last=Bieler \|date=3 February 2016 \|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref> In total, Messi scored 41 goals, and Barcelona's attacking trio of him, Neymar and Suárez managed a Spanish record of 131 combined goals throughout the season, breaking the record they had set the previous season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-suarez-and-neymar-jr-end-season-with-131-goals \|title=Messi, Suárez and Neymar Jr end season with 131 goals \|publisher=FC Barcelona \|first=Robert \|last=Güell \|date=23 May 2016 \|access-date=24 May 2016}}</ref>
	===2010–11 season===
	{{Quote box \|quote=I feel sorry for those who want to compete for Messi's throne — it’s impossible, this kid is unique. \|source=— Former Barcelona manager ].<ref>. Telegraph.</ref> \|align=right \|quoted=1 \|width=33% }}
	On 21 August 2010, Messi scored a hat-trick in his first start of the season in a 4–0 victory over ] in the ], helping Barcelona secure their first trophy of the season after a 1–3 first leg loss.

			The ] would end with Messi winning the ] and the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=http://deportes.elpais.com/deportes/2016/08/18/actualidad/1471475075_599601.html \|title=Messi levanta la Supercopa\|trans-title=Messi lifts the Supercup \|work=El País \|language=es \|first=Ramon \|last=Besa \|date=18 August 2016 \|access-date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=http://www.espnfc.us/barcelona/story/3036856/lionel-messi-equals-ronald-koemans-barcelona-free-kick-record \|title=Lionel Messi equals Ronald Koeman's Barcelona free-kick record \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=11 January 2017 \|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref> He would finish the season with 54 goals, while his 37 goals in La Liga saw him claim both the ] and European Golden Boot Awards for the fourth time in his career.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/11/24/5a182794268e3ef82a8b4639.html \|title=Messi receives fourth Golden Shoe Award: Each day I enjoy it more \|work=Marca \|location=Spain \|date=24 November 2017 \|access-date=24 November 2017}}</ref> Messi, Neymar and Suárez would combine for 110 goals by season's end. Neymar would depart for ] the next year, leaving the attacking trio with a combined total of 363 goals over the course of three seasons.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Power \|first=Patrick \|date=2 August 2017 \|title=The astonishing stats behind the best attacking trio in the world \|url=https://www.besoccer.com/new/the-astonishing-stats-behind-the-best-attacking-trio-in-the-world \|website=BeSoccer.com \|accessdate=27 August 2024 \|archive-date=1 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001173307/https://www.besoccer.com/new/the-astonishing-stats-behind-the-best-attacking-trio-in-the-world \|url-status=live }}</ref> Luis Enrique would also leave Barcelona at the end of the season after managing the club to a total of nine trophies during his three-year tenure.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/763876/luis-enrique-nine-titles-in-three-seasons-with-fc-barcelona \|title=Luis Enrique, nine titles in three seasons with FC Barcelona \|publisher=FCBarcelona.com \|date=28 May 2017 \|access-date=28 August 2024 \|archive-date=28 August 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828181835/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/763876/luis-enrique-nine-titles-in-three-seasons-with-fc-barcelona \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	On 19 September 2010, Messi suffered an ankle injury due to an ill-advised tackle by Atlético Madrid defender ] in the 92nd minute of their Round 3 match at the ]. At first sight it was feared that Messi suffered a broken ankle that could have kept the star player away from the pitch for a minimum of six months, but MRI performed the next day in Barcelona showed he suffered a sprain in the internal and external ligaments of his right ankle.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/09/20/n100920113021.html\|title=Messi injured\|publisher=FCBarcelona.cat\|date=20 September 2010 \|accessdate=22 September 2010}}</ref> Team-mate ] stated "the tackle on Messi was brutal" after watching the video of the play and also added that he believed the Atlético defender "didn't go into the tackle to hurt".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/09/20/n100920113025.html\|title=Villa on Messi's injury\|publisher=FCBarcelona.cat\|date=20 September 2010\|accessdate=22 September 2010}}</ref> The incident caused widespread media attention and brought up the debate of equality in protecting all players in the game. Against ] Messi scored his second hat-trick of the season in an impressive 8–0 away win, the second of which was his 100th La Liga goal.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.entradasfcbarcelona.com/?p=3389 \|title=Jornada 12 – UD Almería 0–8 FC Barcelona \|publisher=entradasfcbarcelona.com \|date=20 November 2010 \|accessdate=22 November 2010 }}{{dead link\|date=December 2012}}</ref>

			==== 2017–2021: Final years at Barcelona ====
	] during the ] semi-finals match against ] on 27 April 2011]]
			] in 2018.]]
	Messi won the ], beating his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/8251269/Barcelona-forward-Lionel-Messi-wins-the-inaugural-Fifa-Ballon-dOr.html \|title=Barcelona forward Lionel Messi wins the inaugural Fifa Ballon d'Or \|date=10 January 2011 \|accessdate=10 January 2011 \|location=London \|work=The Daily Telegraph \|first=Ian \|last=Chadband}}</ref> Messi had been nominated for the awards for the fourth consecutive year.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9356019.stm\|title=Argentina's Lionel Messi wins Fifa Ballon d'Or award \|date=10 January 2011 \|accessdate=10 January 2011\|publisher=BBC Sport }}</ref> On 5 February, Barcelona broke the record for most consecutive league wins with 16 victories after they defeated Atlético Madrid 3–0 at the Camp Nou.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/02/05/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1296946785.html \|title=Barça set 16 wins consecutive league wins \|work=] \|language=Spanish \|date=5 February 2011 \|accessdate=5 February 2011}}</ref> Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to ensure the victory for his side and after the match he stated, "it's an honor to be able to pass a record set by a great like "Di Stéfano" and "if the record has been around for so long is because it's very complicated to achieve and we have reached it by defeating a very difficult team who's going through a bad situation, which makes it even more difficult."<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/02/06/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1296948365.html \|title=Messi talks about the record \|work=] \|language=Spanish \|date=5 February 2011 \|accessdate=5 February 2011 }}</ref>
			Messi would sign a new deal with Barcelona on 25 November 2017, keeping him with the club through 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2017-2018/video-lionel-messi-signs-new-contract-fc-barcelona \|title=Lionel Messi signs new deal through 2020/21 season \|publisher=FC Barcelona \|date=25 November 2017\|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref> The ] saw Messi achieving the domestic double, winning ] and the ] once again.<ref name="2018CdR">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43845692 \|title=Sevilla 0–5 Barcelona \|work=] \|date=21 April 2018 \|access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref> He once again finished the season as the top scorer in La Liga, with 34 goals, which also saw him win his fifth European Golden Shoe award.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|date=20 May 2018 \|title=Messi Wins Fifth Golden Shoe After Winning Pichichi Trophy \|url=https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/messi-set-for-fifth-golden-shoe-after-winning-pichichi/16zqsqe8e9tr3187k929hjiwpt\|access-date=20 May 2018 \|publisher=]}}</ref> With the departure of former captain ] in May 2018, Messi was named the team's new captain for the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/lionel-messi-will-be-barcelonas-next-captain-6781878 \|title=Lionel Messi will be Barcelona's next captain \|date=25 April 2018 \|access-date=9 August 2018 \|publisher=Sport \|archive-date=31 March 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204356/https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/lionel-messi-will-be-barcelonas-next-captain-6781878 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> He lifted his first trophy as Barcelona's captain, the ], following a 2–1 victory over Sevilla. He helped Barcelona clinch the ], his tenth but first as captain.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/messi-helps-barcelona-clinch-spanish-league-title/2019/04/27/84f90fbe-692d-11e9-a698-2a8f808c9cfb_story.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427205444/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/messi-helps-barcelona-clinch-spanish-league-title/2019/04/27/84f90fbe-692d-11e9-a698-2a8f808c9cfb_story.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=27 April 2019 \|title=Messi helps Barcelona clinch Spanish league title \|newspaper=The Washington Post \|first=Joseph \|last=Wilson \|date=27 April 2019 \|access-date=27 April 2019}}</ref> With 36 goals in 34 appearances that season, he won his sixth league Golden Boot trophy, equalling Zarra as the player with the most top-scorer awards in La Liga.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=The best individual season of all time? – A look at Lionel Messi's 2018/19 season \|url=https://www.overlyzer.com/en/football/the-best-individual-season-of-all-time-a-look-at-lionel-messis-2018-19-season/ \|website=Overlyzer \|access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://apnews.com/article/a3965b778e324f6c8882587d0e9f55fc \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206130647/https://apnews.com/article/a3965b778e324f6c8882587d0e9f55fc \|archive-date=6 February 2023 \|title=Messi hits 50 goals for Barca, Madrid ends season to forget \|publisher=] \|last=Wilson \|first=Joseph \|date=19 May 2019 \|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref> He also captured his sixth Golden Shoe award, and a record third consecutive award since the 2016–17 season.<ref name="SixthGoldenShoe">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1225730/messi-wins-his-sixth-golden-shoe-award \|title=Messi wins his sixth Golden Shoe award \|publisher=FC Barcelona \|date=24 May 2019 \|access-date=25 May 2019}}</ref>

			Messi would win his sixth ], but the subsequent ] saw Barcelona go trophyless for the first time since 2007–08.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/12/02/ballon-dorlive-updates-ceremony-lionel-messi-virgil-van-dijk/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/12/02/ballon-dorlive-updates-ceremony-lionel-messi-virgil-van-dijk/ \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|title=Ballon d'Or: live updates from the ceremony as Lionel Messi and Virgil van Dijk compete for top award \|last=Magee \|first=Will \|date=2 December 2019 \|work=The Telegraph\|access-date=2 December 2019 \|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Following a disappointing season, Barcelona announced that Messi sent the club "a document expressing his desire to leave", but Messi ultimately decided to fulfill the final year of his contract.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|date=25 August 2020 \|title=Messi tells Barca he wants to leave, signaling end of era \|url=https://apnews.com/141fb4432a0421bc942a7f87cfdeba6e\|access-date=26 August 2020 \|work=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Messi breaks silence on Barcelona exit saga: 'The president did not keep his word' \|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/messi-breaks-silence-barcelona-exit-saga-president-did-not/12u81b5iumt2d1tkqol18wpcxg\|access-date=4 September 2020 \|work=Goal}}</ref> The ] saw Messi surpass ]'s record to reach a club record of 768 appearances.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Leo Messi surpasses Xavi Hernández record \|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/2069179/leo-messi-equals-xavi-hernandez-record \|date=21 March 2021 \|publisher=FC Barcelona}}</ref> He would lead the club to victory in the ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Lionel Messi sets an utterly ridiculous record as he leads Barcelona to Copa Del Rey glory \|url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/04/17/lionel-messi-sets-an-utterly-ridiculous-record-as-he-leads-barcelona-to-copa-del-rey-glory/amp/ \|work=Caught Offside\|date=17 April 2021 \|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.tsn.ca/messi-nets-2-barcelona-beats-bilbao-4-0-to-win-copa-del-rey-1.1625290 \|title=Lionel Messi nets two, Barcelona beats Athletic Bilbao to win Copa del Rey \|publisher=TSN \|date=17 April 2021 \|access-date=17 April 2021}}</ref> His last two seasons with Barcelona saw him lead La Liga in goal scoring, giving him a record-breaking total of eight Pichichi trophies.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.thescore.com/esp_fed/news/1987681 \|title=Messi stands alone after winning Pichichi award for 7th time \|publisher=The Score \|last=Nesci \|first=Gianluca \|date=19 July 2020 \|access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="eighth">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Messi: The Pichichi of Pichichis \|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2021/05/22/60a971ad268e3e2e128b45c3.html \|access-date=31 December 2022 \|work=Marca}}</ref>
	After failing to score for a month he scored a brace against UD Almería; the second goal was his 47th of the season, equalling his club record return of the previous season.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110409/messi-desatasco-barca-antes-del-clasico/968326.shtml\|title=Messi desatascó al Barça antes del clásico\|accessdate=9 April 2011}}</ref> He surpassed his record on 12 April 2011 by scoring the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League game, which put him in the record book as all time top scorer in a single season for Barcelona.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110412/tramite-resuelto-ahora-por-madrid/971705.shtml\|title=Trámite resuelto y ahora... ¡a por el Madrid!\|accessdate=13 April 2011}}</ref> He scored his eighth goal on El Clásico on a 1–1 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. On 23 April, Messi scored his 50th goal of the season against CA Osasuna in a 2–0 home victory which he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110416/madrid-titulo/976392.shtml\|title=Un punto que vale una Liga\|accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref> He finished the season by winning La Liga and scoring 31 goals as he finished runner-up in the ] trophy to Cristiano Ronaldo, who had managed to score 40. Messi finished the league season as the top assist provider with 18 assists.

			Messi became a free agent after his contract expired, with negotiations on a new deal complicated due to Barcelona's financial issues.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Messi officially becomes a free agent as superstar's Barcelona contract expires \|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/messi-free-agent-barcelona-contract-expires/6oic4yrrw62d1mcffybvao1qi \|work=Goal \|first=Rubén \|last=Uría \|date=1 July 2021 \|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Lionel Messi: Barcelona forward agrees contract extension with 50 per cent pay cut \|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/12355747/lionel-messi-barcelona-forward-agrees-contract-extension-with-50-per-cent-pay-cut \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155615/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/12355747/lionel-messi-barcelona-forward-agrees-contract-extension-with-50-per-cent-pay-cut \|date=14 July 2021 \|location=United Kingdom \|archive-date=14 July 2021 \|work=Sky Sports \|access-date=14 July 2021 \|url-status=live}}</ref> Barcelona would eventually announce that Messi would not be staying at the club, citing financial and structural obstacles posed by La Liga regulations as a reason for Messi's departure.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Leo Messi not staying at FC Barcelona \|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/2207655/leo-messi-not-staying-at-fc-barcelona \|access-date=13 July 2022 \|website=www.fcbarcelona.com}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Lionel Messi 'shocked' and 'surprised' at Barcelona contract collapse \|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/12374082/lionel-messi-shocked-and-surprised-at-barcelona-contract-collapse \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806122748/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/12374082/lionel-messi-shocked-and-surprised-at-barcelona-contract-collapse \|date=8 August 2021 \|archive-date=6 August 2021 \|work=Sky Sports \|last1=Thomas \|first1=Lyall \|first2=Kaveh \|last2=Solhekol \|access-date=6 August 2021 \|url-status=live}}</ref> In a tearful press conference held at the Camp Nou, Messi confirmed that he would be leaving Barcelona.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Lionel Messi Says Goodbye To FC Barelona At Tearful Press Conference \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2021/08/08/lionel-messi-says-goodbye-to-fc-barelona-at-tearful-press-conference/ \|access-date=4 December 2022 \|work=Forbes}}</ref>
	On 20 April, Barcelona were defeated by arch-rivals Real Madrid in the ]. Messi set up a goal for ], which was however ruled ]. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the match in ]. Messi was however the joint top-scorer of the tournament along with Cristiano Ronaldo, with 7 goals.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Copa del Rey Final 2011\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/21/real-madrid-barcelona-copa-del-rey\|accessdate=28 May 2012 \|location=London\|work=The Guardian\|date=21 April 2011}}</ref>

			=== Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023) ===
	In the first leg of the ], he gave a memorable performance, scoring twice against Real Madrid in a 2–0 win, the second goal (a dribble past several players) being acclaimed as one of the best ever at that stage of the competition.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110427/messi-puto-amo/986636.shtml\|title=Messi es el 'puto amo'\|accessdate=27 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sid_lowe/05/05/clasico.aftermath/index.html \|title=The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the aftermath of the Clásico series \|date=5 May 2011 \|accessdate=6 May 2011 \|work=Sports Illustrated \|first=Sid \|last=Lowe }}</ref> At the ] at ], Messi scored the eventual game-clinching goal to give Barcelona their third title in six years and fourth overall.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13576522.stm\|title=Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1\|date=28 May 2011\|publisher=BBC Sport \|accessdate=30 May 2011}}</ref> This was also Messi's 12th goal in the Champions League that season, which allowed him to tie ]'s record of 12 goals in a single European Cup season, after it was re-established as the UEFA Champions League, in 1992. The overall record of goals scored in a single European Cup Season, is José Altafini's record of 14 goals, which Messi did however equal in the following season. Messi finished the 2010–11 season with 53 goals and 24 assists in all competitions combined.
			] (left) and ].]]
			On 10 August 2021, Messi joined ] club ] (PSG), reuniting him with Neymar, for the ] on a two-year deal until June 2023 with an option for an extra year.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite news\|\|title=Lionel Messi signs two-year Paris St-Germain deal after leaving Barcelona\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58163106\|access-date=10 August 2021\|work=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|url=https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/content/cp-lionel-messi-psg-paris-saint-germain-mercato\|title=Leo Messi signs for Paris Saint-Germain\|website=PSG\|date=10 August 2021}}</ref> Messi chose 30 as his squad number, the same he wore as a teenager when he made his senior debut for Barcelona.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite news\|\|title=Lionel Messi shirt number revealed by PSG\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/lionel-messi-psg-shirt-number-transfer-b1900397.html\|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/lionel-messi-psg-shirt-number-transfer-b1900397.html\|archive-date=14 June 2022\|url-status=live\|access-date=11 August 2021\|work=The Independent}}</ref> He would make his debut with the club against ], made his first start and Champions League debut for the club against ], and made his home debut in a match against ]<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/paris-saint-germain--frapsg/story/4465426/lionel-messis-psg-debut-becomes-most-watched-french-football-match-in-spain \|title=Messi's PSG debut breaks Spain viewing records \|work=ESPN \|date=30 August 2021 \|access-date=30 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|title=Lionel Messi Makes First PSG Start But Club Brugge Hold On For A Draw \|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-makes-first-psg-start-but-club-brugge-hold-on-for-a-draw-2542485\|access-date=19 September 2021 \|website=NDTVSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|date=19 September 2021 \|title=Icardi strikes late to give PSG win over Lyon on Messi's home debut \|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/icardi-strikes-late-give-psg-win-over-lyon-messis-home-debut-2021-09-19/\|access-date=19 September 2021 \|website=Reuters}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a Champions League group stage win over former manager Pep Guardiola's ].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|last=Morse \|first=Ben \|title=Lionel Messi scores first PSG goal in Champions League win over Manchester City \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/29/football/lionel-messi-first-psg-goal-ucl-spt-intl/index.html\|access-date=30 September 2021 \|website=CNN \|date=29 September 2021}}</ref> Having scored 40 goals at club and international level for the calendar year in addition to captaining Argentina to the ], Messi received a record ].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite news\|\|title=Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi wins award as best player in world football for seventh time\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59454640\|access-date=29 November 2021\|work=BBC}}</ref> He finished his debut season with PSG with 11 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, helping the club win their 10th ].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|title=Worst season in Lionel Messi's career! How did the Argentine perform in the 2021–22 season for PSG?\|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/lionel-messi-psg-performance-2021-22-season/bltcd4c10b617272ed1\|access-date=12 June 2022\|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>

			Beginning the ], Messi would win his second trophy with PSG in the ].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|url=https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/content/a-final-lots-of-goals-and-a-trophy-a-great-start-to-the-season-match-report-paris-saint-germain-trophee-des-champions-psg-nantes \|title=A final, lots of goals and a trophy: a great start to the season! \|publisher=Paris Saint-Germain F.C. \|date=31 July 2022\|access-date=31 July 2022}}</ref> A goal against ] resulted in him surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo as the all-time highest goalscorer in European club football with 702 goals; during the match, he also achieved 1,000 career direct goal contributions at club level.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lionel-messi-overtakes-cristiano-ronaldo-for-goals-scored-in-europe-with-latest-psg-strike \|title=Lionel Messi overtakes Cristiano Ronaldo for goals scored in Europe with latest PSG strike \|work=FourFourTwo \|last=Hayward \|first=Ben \|date=9 April 2023 \|access-date=15 April 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/psg/2023/04/09/6431efddca4741e5078b459a.html \|title=Lionel Messi edges Cristiano Ronaldo once again, Argentinian is now the all-time club goal leader in Europe \|work=Marca \|date=8 April 2023 \|access-date=15 April 2023 }}</ref> By the end of the season, he had 21 goals across all competitors and the highest number of assists in the league with 16, which helped PSG clinch their 11th ] and his second in a row.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|title=Ligue 1 Uber Eats Team of the Season\|url=https://www.ligue1.com/Articles/News/2023/05/29/the-ligue-1-team-of-the-season-in-full\|access-date=4 June 2023\|website=Ligue1 COM}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|last=Summerscales\|first=Robert\|date=3 June 2023\|title=Lionel Messi Ends Ligue 1 Season With More Assists Than Any Other Player\|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/news/lionel-messi-ends-ligue-1-season-top-of-assists-rankings\|access-date=4 June 2023\|website=Futbol on FanNation}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|last=Ronald \|first=Issy \|title=Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo record as PSG wins historic Ligue 1 title \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/28/football/lionel-messi-record-psg-ligue-1-title-spt-intl/index.html \|date=28 May 2023 \|access-date=4 June 2023 \|work=CNN}}</ref> Following the last game of the season, manager ] confirmed that it would be Messi's last for PSG, with the club confirming his departure two days later.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65776489 \|title=Lionel Messi: PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirms forward's departure \|website=BBC Sport\|date=1 June 2023 \|access-date=1 June 2023}}</ref>
	===2011–12 season===
	].]]
	Messi started the season by lifting the ] with Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing two assists in a 5–4 aggregate win against Real Madrid.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110818/messi-salvo-futbol/1120978.shtml\|title=Messi salvó al fútbol\|date=17 August 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref> His vital interventions continued in the next official match played against ] when he scored again following a weak back pass from ] before setting up ] to give Barcelona a 2–0 victory and the ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110826/super-messi-supercopa-barca/1130917.shtml\|title=Súper Messi da la Supercopa al Barça\|date=26 August 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=26 August 2011}}</ref> then the only official competition that remained for him to score in.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110827/futbol-messi-tiene-limites/1131118.shtml\|title=El fútbol de Messi no tiene límites\|date=26 August 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=26 August 2011}}</ref>

			=== Inter Miami (2023–present) ===
	In August, Messi became the ] goalscorer surpassing ] on 194 goals, being behind only to ] on 232 goals in all official competitions.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi, tras los pasos de Kubala \|work=Marca \|date=27 September 2011 \|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/09/28/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1317208910.html \|accessdate=27 September 2011 \|language=Spanish }}</ref>
			].]]
			] (MLS) club ] announced the signing of Messi on a two-and-a-half-year contract on 15 July 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|last=\|date=15 July 2023\|title=Inter Miami CF Signs Seven-Time Ballon d'Or Winner, World Cup Champion, Lionel Messi {{!}} Inter Miami CF\|url=https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/inter-miami-cf-signs-seven-time-ballon-d-or-winner-world-cup-champion-lionel-mes\|access-date=16 July 2023\|website=Inter Miami CF\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|last=Sigal\|first=Jonathan\|date=15 July 2023\|title=Official! Lionel Messi signs with Inter Miami\|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/official-lionel-messi-signs-with-inter-miami\|access-date=15 July 2023\|website=Major League Soccer}}</ref> Messi made his ] debut for the club in a ] match against ], scoring with a free-kick in stoppage time for a victory.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|last=Dominski \|first=Michael \|date=21 July 2023 \|title=Lionel Messi's Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul live updates: Messi free-kick goal wins Leagues Cup match \|url=https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/lionel-messi-live-updates-inter-miami-cruz-azul-score-result/WcbiLWQR3Otx/ \|work=The Athletic \|url-access=subscription \|accessdate=21 July 2023}}</ref> After scoring nine goals in his first six games for Miami, Messi led the team to the club's first-ever trophy by winning the ] against ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|last=Deen \|first=Safid \|title=Inter Miami vs. Nashville live updates: Messi wins Leagues Cup after penalty shootout \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2023/08/19/messi-inter-miami-vs-nashville-leagues-cup-final-live-highlights/70618499007/ \|website=usatoday.com \|access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref> Messi made his MLS debut against ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|last=Blum \|first=Ronald \|title=Messi scores dazzling goal in MLS debut, leads Miami over New York Red Bulls \|url=https://apnews.com/article/messi-inter-miami-red-bulls-e378ec6fc90a02632eac8f45bdb25a6b \|publisher=] \|date=26 August 2023 \|access-date=26 August 2023}}</ref> Miami would miss the playoffs, finish 14th in the Eastern Conference, having gone winless in their last seven games.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|last1=Lewis \|first1=Aimee \|title=Lionel Messi's final game of the season for Inter Miami ends in defeat \|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/22/sport/lionel-messi-inter-miami-charlotte-mls-spt-intl/index.html \|website=CNN \|access-date=8 November 2023 \|language=en \|date=22 October 2023}}</ref> On 30 October 2023, following his World Cup win with Argentina and Ligue 1 trophy with PSG, Messi was awarded a record-extending ].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|date=30 October 2023\|title=Men's Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi wins eighth award, beating Erling Haaland to trophy\|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67232561\|access-date=30 October 2023\|publisher=BBC\|work=BBC Sport}}</ref> He was also named ], the first footballer to ever win the award.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite web\|\|last=Summerscales\|first=Robert\|date=5 December 2023\|title=Lionel Messi Becomes First Men's Soccer Player To Be Named TIME Athlete Of The Year\|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/news/lionel-messi-named-time-athlete-of-the-year-for-2023\|access-date=25 December 2023\|magazine=Sport Illustrated}}</ref>

			During the ], Messi broke the record for the most assists in a single MLS game with five assists and he also broke the record for the most goal contributions in an MLS game with six in a 6–2 win over the New York Red Bulls.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=4 May 2024 \|title=SIX goal contributions! Lionel Messi sets two more MLS records vs. RBNY \|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/six-goal-contributions-lionel-messi-sets-two-more-mls-records-in-matchday-12 \|access-date=4 May 2024 \|website=] \|archive-date=5 May 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505022513/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/six-goal-contributions-lionel-messi-sets-two-more-mls-records-in-matchday-12 \|url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 October, Messi scored a brace in a 3–2 win over ], clinching the ], his 46th trophy.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2 October 2024 \|title=Lionel Messi, Inter Miami win MLS Supporters Shield with 3-2 win at Crew. It's Messi's 46th trophy \|url=https://apnews.com/article/lionel-messi-mls-miami-columbus-0fcdbeab716cb05dcf99a76dc235dccc \|access-date=20 October 2024 \|work=] \|archive-date=10 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010053349/https://apnews.com/article/lionel-messi-mls-miami-columbus-0fcdbeab716cb05dcf99a76dc235dccc \|url-status=live }}</ref> In the final game of the regular season on 19 October against ], Messi scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 6–2 victory. Inter Miami's victory over the Revolution also allowed the club to finish with 74 points throughout the regular season, a league record for MLS. He would finish the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Reynolds \|first=Tim \|date=19 October 2024 \|title=Messi and Inter Miami finish with best record in MLS history, roll past New England 6-2 \|url=https://apnews.com/article/lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-a8d2c6c8ae5df490cc615b2ae527434d \|access-date=19 October 2024 \|work=]}}</ref> In doing so, he became Inter Miami's ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|last=Becherano \|first=Lizzy \|title=Lionel Messi hat trick helps Inter Miami break MLS points record \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41856092/lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-single-season-points-record-hat-trick \|date=19 October 2024 \|access-date=19 October 2024 \|work=]}}</ref>
	On 28 September, Messi scored his first two ] goals of the season against ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/barca-aficiona-las-manitas-1164552\|title=El Barça se aficiona a las 'manitas'\|date=28 September 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=28 September 2011}}</ref> becoming Barcelona's second highest goalscorer in its history, tying ], at 194 goals in all official competitions.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/messi-igualo-kubala-1164601\|title=Messi iguala a Kubala y afirma que sería "hermoso" superar a César\|date=28 September 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=28 September 2011}}</ref> He surpassed that record when he scored two goals against Racing Santander.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/barca-consolida-liderato-con-otro-recital-messi-1183586\|title=El Barça consolida su liderato con otro recital de Messi\|date=16 October 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=16 October 2011}}</ref> He became second in Barcelona's La Liga goalscorers list with 132 goals, one more than Kubala.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/messi-responde-otra-vez-1201140\|title=1, 2, 3... Messi responde otra vez\|date=29 October 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=29 October 2011}}</ref> He scored his 200th Barcelona goal and two more as part of a hat-trick in his next game against ] in the Champions League.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/messi-infalible-hat-trick-octavos-1204309\|title=Messi es infalible: hat trick... ¡y a octavos!\|date=1 November 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=1 November 2011}}</ref>

			Miami made its first postseason appearance in the ] but were eliminated in the first round after losing two games against ]. Messi would have his first postseason goal in the third game, a 3–2 loss.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Deen \|first1=Safid \|title=Messi, Inter Miami see record-setting season end in stunning playoff collapse: Highlights \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2024/11/09/inter-miami-vs-atlanta-where-to-watch-messi-playing-score-live-updates/76156845007/ \|website=USA TODAY \|access-date=9 November 2024 \|language=en \|date=9 November 2024 \|archive-date=10 November 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110042504/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2024/11/09/inter-miami-vs-atlanta-where-to-watch-messi-playing-score-live-updates/76156845007/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> He would be named the ] following the conclusion of the regular season.<ref name="MLSMVP" />
	] in the semi-finals of the ] on 15 December 2011]]
	Messi scored twice in the ] against ] and was recognised as the ] and also awarded the ] for his performance during the tournament.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/messi-astro-rey-1279170\|title=Messi, el astro rey\|date=19 December 2011\|work=Sport\|location=Spain \|accessdate=19 December 2011}}</ref>

			== International career ==
	Messi won the 2011 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, beating his Barcelona team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi won the ], again beating his team-mate Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo. By winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or again, Messi become the fourth player to win three Ballons d'Or, after ], ] and ] and the second player to win three consecutive Ballons d'Or, after Michel Platini (although two of his Ballons d'Or are FIFA Ballons d'Or, which he won consecutively). Messi also won the IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer award, with 19 goals in 2011.<ref>{{cite web\|title=2011 IFFHS World's Top Goalscorer Award\|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?388d85ff0e003c4f05e91a55285fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a711\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref>
			{{Main\|Career of Lionel Messi#International career}}
			As a dual Argentine-Spanish national, Messi was eligible to play for the national team of both countries.<ref name="Burden2">{{#invoke:cite news\|\|first=Jeff\|last=Himmelman\|title=The Burden of Being Messi\|newspaper=The New York Times\|date=5 June 2014\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/magazine/the-burden-of-being-messi.html\|access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref> He debuted for Argentina in 2004 for ] against ], and was subsequently included in the squad for the ], where they would finish third.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=209–219}} Messi would then lead the team to victory in the ], his first success with Argentina. Finishing the tournament with six goals and two assists, he would also win the ].<ref>{{cite news \|date=10 July 2024 \|title=Messi passes Ali Daei \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-canada-live-updates-2024-copa-america-lionel-messi-score-result/yRrle4paHuhm/BeNQ1qaCPjJZ/ \|access-date=10 July 2024 \|work=The Athletic \|archive-date=10 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710125438/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-canada-live-updates-2024-copa-america-lionel-messi-score-result/yRrle4paHuhm/BeNQ1qaCPjJZ/ \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last=Saaid \|first=Hamdan \|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tableso/ol2008f-det.html \|title=Games of the XXIX. Olympiad \|publisher=] \|date=12 September 2008 \|access-date=6 August 2024 \|archive-date=6 August 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806071542/https://www.rsssf.org/tableso/ol2008f-det.html \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MagicMessi">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Magic Messi Sparks High Drama in the Lowlands \|publisher=FIFA \|date=July 2005 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/y=2007/m=3/news=magic-messi-sparks-high-drama-the-lowlands-501784.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906082949/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/y=2007/m=3/news=magic-messi-sparks-high-drama-the-lowlands-501784.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=6 September 2015 \|access-date=12 August 2015}}</ref>

			] in the semi-final of the ].]]
	On 19 February 2012, Messi, on his 200th La Liga appearance, scored four goals against Valencia CF in a 5–1 win.<ref name=valencia_four_goals>{{cite web \|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/323821 \|title=Lionel Messi Bio, Stats, News \|publisher=ESPN Soccernet \|accessdate=26 November 2010 }}</ref> On 7 March, Messi became the first player to score five goals in an UEFA Champions League match since the tournament's re-establishment in 1992, helping the defending champions Barcelona win 7–1 against ].<ref name=valencia_four_goals />
			Messi would make his debut with the ] in 2005, at age 18, coming off the bench in a friendly against ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Tim \|last=Vickery \|title=Messi Handles 'New Maradona' Tag \|work=BBC Sport \|date=22 August 2005 \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_football/4172400.stm \|access-date=12 August 2015}}</ref> Messi would have his first start in 2006 against ], and would score his first international goal in a friendly against ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Messi Is a Jewel Says Argentina Coach \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=10 October 2005 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/345383/messi-is-a-jewel-says-argentina-coach \|access-date=12 August 2015}}</ref><ref name="Century">{{#invoke:cite web\|\|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/messi-intlg.html\|title=Lionel Andrés Messi – Century of International Appearances\|last=Mamrud\|first=Roberto\|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation\|access-date=23 January 2023\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123172840/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/messi-intlg.html\|archive-date=23 January 2023}}</ref> His World Cup debut came in the ] as a substitute in the 74th minute against ], scoring the final goal in their victory. This made him the youngest player to represent and score for Argentina in the World Cup.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Argentina 6–0 Serbia & Montenegro \|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=16 June 2006 \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853028.stm \|access-date=12 August 2015 \|archive-date=22 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922121433/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853028.stm \|url-status=live }}</ref> He would represent Argentina again for the ], where they would ultimately lose in the ]. Messi was named the best young player of the tournament, having scored two goals and provided one assist.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Missing Some Stars, Brazil Wins Copa América \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=16 July 2007 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/16/sports/soccer/16soccer.html \|access-date=12 August 2015}}</ref> The ] would mark another major achievement with his country, as he led ] to claim the ] over ]. Messi registered two goals and three assists throughout, and was singled out by FIFA as the stand-out player from the tournament's best team.<ref name="Messi Olympics">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Report and Statistics: Men's and Women's Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 \|publisher=FIFA \|page=21 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/technicaldevp/94/37/67/internetreportoly08v2.pdf \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206162134/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/technicaldevp/94/37/67/internetreportoly08v2.pdf \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=6 December 2008 \|access-date=12 August 2015}}</ref>

			]
	{{Quote box
			With the international retirement of ], Messi was given Argentina's number 10 shirt.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Ian \|last=Chadband \|title=Lionel Messi Can Achieve More at Barcelona than Diego Maradona \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=28 April 2009 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/5231676/Lionel-Messi-can-achieve-more-at-Barcelona-than-Diego-Maradona.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/5231676/Lionel-Messi-can-achieve-more-at-Barcelona-than-Diego-Maradona.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=13 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> During a ] group stage match against ], where a majority of the starters rested due to a secured place in the knockout rounds, Messi would wear the captain's armband for the first time.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Rory \|last=Smith \|title=Greece 0 Argentina 2: Match Report \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=22 June 2010 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/news/7842201/Greece-0-Argentina-2-match-report.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/news/7842201/Greece-0-Argentina-2-match-report.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=13 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Argentina were ultimately eliminated in the quarterfinals against ] during that tournament, but Messi was identified as one of the tournament's 10 best players due to his pace and creativity, despite failing to register a single goal and only having one assist.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Adidas Golden Ball Nominees Announced \|publisher=FIFA \|date=9 July 2010 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2010/m=7/news=adidas-golden-ball-nominees-announced-1270753.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411063638/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2010/m=7/news=adidas-golden-ball-nominees-announced-1270753.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=11 April 2015 \|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref> The appointment of ] ahead of the ] resulted in Argentina now building their team around Messi.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=414–420}}<ref name="NewRole">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|first=Michael \|last=Cox \|title=Lionel Messi Showing Some Promising Signs in a New Argentina Role \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=13 November 2014 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2144957/argentina-national-team-lionel-messi-showing-some-promising-signs-in-a-new-argentina-role \|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref> However, Messi would again be goalless during the tournament but had three assists. The team would ultimately lose to ] in penalties during the quarter-finals.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=414–420}}
	\|quote = For the world of football, he is a treasure because he is a role model for children around the world. In the space of half a metre, he can move right or left - it is like he has the ball attached to his body. Maradona was also a little bit like this, and it could be because they are both low centre of gravity.
	\|source = —Dutch legend ] after Messi set a new goal-scoring record for Barcelona, March 2012.<ref name="club record">. The Mirror. Retrieved 16 May 2013</ref>
	\|align = right
	\|quoted = 1
	\|width = 33%
	}}
	On 20 March, Messi scored three goals against ], making him ], surpassing club legend César Rodríguez, who had previously held the record with 232.<ref name="club record"/>

			] in the ].]]
	On 3 April, Messi scored two goals from penalty kicks against Milan in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, allowing him to surpass his personal record, joint with Ruud van Nistelrooy, of 12 goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. These goals allowed him to tie José Altafini's record of 14 goals in a single European Cup season in the 1962–63 season, before the tournament's re-establishment as the UEFA Champions League in 1992.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi Equals José Altafini's Record of 14 Goals in a Single European Cup Season\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/9183381/Lionel-Messi-equals-Champions-League-record-as-Barcelona-wait-for-Chelsea-after-3-1-victory-over-AC-Milan.html \|location=London \|work=The Daily Telegraph\|first=Peter\|last=Jenson\|date=4 April 2012}}</ref> Messi was unable to score in the semi-finals, although he provided an assist in the second leg, as Barcelona were knocked out to eventual winners Chelsea. During the second leg match, Messi missed an important ], hitting the crossbar. The goal would have put Barcelona ahead on aggregate.
			Following their unsuccessful performance, Batista was replaced by ], who awarded 24-year-old Messi the captaincy of the squad.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=595–602}}<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Rob \|last=Hughes \|title=If Messi Is Argentina's Star, Then Mascherano Is the Glue \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=10 July 2014 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/11/sports/soccer/if-messi-is-argentinas-star-then-mascherano-is-the-glue.html \|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref> The next several years saw many frustrations for Messi due to his inability to captain Argentina to an international trophy. During the ], Messi and Argentina lost to Germany in the ], though Messi was awarded the ] as the best player of the tournament regardless due to his overall performance with four goals and an assist.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|first=Scott \|last=Murray \|title=World Cup Final 2014: Germany v Argentina – as It Happened \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=13 July 2014 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/13/world-cup-final-2014-germany-v-argentina-live-report \|access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|first=Adam \|last=Bate \|title=World Cup Final: Was Lionel Messi Really a Disappointment in Brazil or Have We Just Become Numb to His Genius? \|work=Sky Sports \|date=16 July 2014 \|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15241/9381511/world-cup-final-was-lionel-messi-really-a-disappointment-in-brazil-or-have-we-just-become-numb-to-his-genius \|access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref> Argentina would lose to ] on penalties in the ] ] the next year. At the close of the tournament, Messi, was reportedly selected to receive the ] award, having scored one goal and provided three assists, but rejected the honour.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|first=Adriana \|last=Garcia \|title=Argentina's Lionel Messi Grateful for Support after Copa América Defeat \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=7 July 2015 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/copa-america/story/2514749/lionel-messi-grateful-for-support-after-copa-america-defeat \|access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref> In the 2016 ] semi-final against the ], a goal from Messi would put him ahead of ] as ] in international matches.<ref name="record">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Lionel Messi equals Argentina's all-time goal-scoring record \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/argentina/story/2897489/lionel-messi-equals-argentinas-gabriel-batistuta-all-time-goal-scoring-record \|work=ESPN FC \|date=22 June 2016 \|access-date=22 June 2016}}</ref> However, Argentina would again fall to Chile on penalties in the ].<ref name="Messi retirement"/> Messi would have five goals and four assists throughout the tournament.<ref name="conmebol-stats">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=http://estadisticas.conmebol.com/html/v3/index.html?channel=deportes.futbol.copaamerica.statsCenterPerPlayer&lang=es_LA \|title=HTML Center \|website=estadisticas.conmebol.com\|access-date=8 April 2020\|archive-date=10 June 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610095909/http://estadisticas.conmebol.com/html/v3/index.html?channel=deportes.futbol.copaamerica.statsCenterPerPlayer&lang=es_LA\|url-status=dead}}</ref>

			Losing three consecutive finals in three consecutive years caused Messi to briefly retire from international football, but a fan campaign in Argentina helped convince him to reverse his decision.<ref name="Messi retirement">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|date=27 June 2016 \|title=Lionel Messi retires from Argentina after Copa America final loss to Chile \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/copa-america/story/2902891/lionel-messi-flags-potential-argentina-retirement-after-penalty-loss-to-chile \|work=ESPN FC}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=Messi 'God's gift' to Argentina – president \|newspaper=AS \|url=http://en.as.com/en/2016/06/28/football/1467141271_384638.html \|date=28 June 2016 \|access-date=28 June 2016 \|archive-date=23 September 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923184002/https://en.as.com/en/2016/06/28/football/1467141271_384638.html \|url-status=dead }}</ref> He would return to the national team to lead them to the ]. Argentina were in jeopardy of missing the tournament on the last game of the ] against ], but a hat-trick from Messi secured their entry.<ref name="Guardian 2017">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/11/lionel-messi-hat-trick-secures-argentinas-passage-to-world-cup \|title=Lionel Messi hat-trick secures Argentina's passage to World Cup \|work=The Guardian \|date=11 October 2017}}</ref> They would go on to lose to ] in the Round of 16 during the World Cup, with Messi having one goal and two assists in the tournament.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/43976007 \|title=France 4–3 Argentina \|work=BBC Sport \|first=Emlyn \|last=Begley \|date=30 June 2018 \|access-date=30 June 2018}}</ref> The next year, under new head coach ], Messi would again represent Argentina in the ], where he registered only a single goal and assist. They would lose to hosts ] in the semi-final but ended with a third-place finish after defeating Chile.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/copa-america/0/blog/post/3894006/messis-red-card-overshadows-argentinas-encouraging-win-and-chiles-end-of-an-era \|title=Messi's red card overshadows Argentina's encouraging win and Chile's end of an era \|publisher=ESPN \|last=Vickery \|first=Tim \|date=6 July 2019 \|access-date=7 July 2019}}</ref>
	On 11 April, Messi scored his 61st goal of the season against Getafe CF, and made two assists.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi's 61st goal leads Barcelona past Getafe 4–0\|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=7797056\|publisher=ESPN.com\|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref> On 2 May, Messi scored a hat-trick against ] surpassing ]'s record (67 goals in 1972–73) with 68 goals, and thus becoming the best goalscorer in history in one season in Europe.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/05/02/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1335988551.html \|title=Messi, con 68 goles, supera al mítico Torpedo Müller \|publisher=MARCA.com \|date=4 May 2012 \|accessdate=5 April 2013 }}</ref> It was the 21st multi-goal game of the season for Messi and his seventh La Liga hat-trick.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/7883080/lionel-messi-sets-european-record-68-goals \|title=Lionel Messi sets European record \|agency=Associated Press \|date=2 May 2012 \|publisher=ESPN \|accessdate=3 May 2012}}</ref> He then scored four goals on 5 May against ] to take his tally to an unprecedented 72 goals, in the process becoming only the second player to pass 70 goals in a first division season since ] of ] in the ] in 1924–25.<ref>{{cite news \|agency=Associated Press \|title=Barcelona 4–0 Espanyol \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/05/lionel-messi-four-goals-guardiola \|work=The Guardian \|location=London \|date=5 May 2012 \|accessdate=28 July 2012 }}</ref>

	] on ~~18 January 2012~~]]		] of ] in the ] group stage.]]
			Messi would finally end Argentina's 28-year trophy drought in the ], as they had not won an international tournament since ].<ref name="Messi Copa América">{{#invoke:cite news \|\|last=Das \|first=Andrew\|date=11 July 2021\|title=Messi and Argentina Beat Brazil to Win the Copa América \|work=The New York Times \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/10/sports/soccer/lionel-messi-argentina-brazil-copa-america.html\|access-date=11 July 2021\|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In the process, he surpassed ] to become ] during a group stage match against ].<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/argentina-arg/story/4422176/messi-sets-argentina-appearances-mark-in-copa-america-match-vs-bolivia \|title=Messi sets Argentina appearances mark in Copa America match vs. Bolivia \|work=ESPN \|first=Sam \|last=Marsden \|date=28 June 2021\|access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref> Argentina defeated Brazil in the ]; Messi was directly involved in nine out of the 12 goals scored by Argentina, scoring four and assisting five, and was named the player of the tournament.<ref name="Messi Copa América"/> He captained Argentina to win another international trophy in the ] against ] winners ], where he was named player of the match after providing two assists.<ref name="Messi CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup">{{#invoke:cite web \|\|last=UEFA.com \|date=1 June 2022 \|title=Argentina's Lionel Messi named official Finalissima Player of the Match \|url=https://www.uefa.com/finalissima/news/0276-1549531afce1-16d40688390d-1000--player-of-the-match-messi/ \|access-date=2 June 2022 \|website=UEFA.com}}</ref> At the ], Messi led Argentina to its first World Cup victory in 36 years, defeating France during the ].<ref name="ArgentinaRecord">Nemer, Roy (19 December 2022). "Lionel Messi scores record 18 goals in 2022 with the Argentina national team". Mundo Albiceleste. Retrieved 19 June 2024.</ref> He became the first player to score in every stage of the World Cup, having scored seven total with three assists, and also the first to win the Golden Ball for the tournament twice.<ref name=BCC221218>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|title=World Cup final: Lionel Messi named best player as Kylian Mbappe wins Golden Boot \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64019023 \|access-date=18 December 2022 \|work=BBC Sport \|date=18 December 2022}}</ref> With his appearance in the final, Messi set new records as the player with the most appearances at the World Cup (26) and most direct goal contributions at the World Cup (21 – 13 goals and 8 assists).<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|last=Anand\|first=Anish\|url=https://www.espn.in/football/blog-espn-fc-united/story/4834907/2022-world-cup-final-stats-messi-mbappe-argentina-france \|title=2022 World Cup stats: Messi joins Maradona, overtakes Ronaldo; Mbappe's record 4 \|work=ESPN \|date=19 December 2022 \|access-date=22 December 2022 }}</ref> He also set the record for most goals for Argentina in a calendar year with 18.<ref name="ArgentinaRecord" />
	On 25 May, he scored again in the ], helping Barcelona win their 26th Spanish Cup title, and increasing his seasonal goalscoring record to an unmatched ].<ref name=goals_73 /> This was also Guardiola's last match as Barcelona's manager, and the Cup win marked Messi's second Copa del Rey title, after losing the final the year before, as well as his 14th Barcelona trophy during Guardiola's four seasons at the club. Although Barcelona failed to win their fourth consecutive Liga title under Guardiola, finishing runners-up to arch-rivals Real Madrid, Messi finished the 2011–12 season as the top goalscorer in La Liga for a second time, with a La Liga record of 50 goals. He was the second best assist provider in La Liga that season with 16 assists, after ], who managed 17. He also ended the season as the UEFA Champions' League Top Scorer for a fourth consecutive time, with 14 goals.<ref name=goals_73 /> He was one of the top assist providers of the ] with 5 assists and finished the season with 73 goals and 29 assists in all club competitions, with more goals and assists than any other player.

			A hat-trick in a 2023 friendly against ] saw Messi reach 100 international goals; he became the third player and the first South American in history to achieve this milestone.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-makes-history-with-100th-goal-for-argentina \|title=Lionel Messi makes history with 100th goal for Argentina \|work=FOX Sports \|date=28 March 2023 \|access-date=30 March 2023}}</ref> Later that year, a goal against Peru during a ] saw Messi become the all-time top goalscorer in ] World Cup qualifiers.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 October 2023 \|title=Lionel Messi becomes Conmebol WC qualifiers all-time leading scorer \|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/2023/10/18/652f5288268e3e8b258b45ad.html \|access-date=13 July 2024 \|website=MARCA \|language=en \|archive-date=1 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001173308/https://www.marca.com/en/football/2023/10/18/652f5288268e3e8b258b45ad.html \|url-status=live }}</ref> His start in the ] opening game against ] marked a new record for overall Copa appearances (35).<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jun/20/lionel-messi-pulls-strings-as-argentina-tame-canada-in-copa-america-opener \|title=Messi breaks another record at CONMEBOL Copa América™ \|work=CONMEBOL Copa América™ \|date=20 June 2024 \|access-date=3 September 2024 \|archive-date=21 June 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621022347/https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jun/20/lionel-messi-pulls-strings-as-argentina-tame-canada-in-copa-america-opener \|url-status=live }}</ref> A goal Messi scored in the semi-final, again against Canada, marked his first and only goal of the tournament while also making him the ] of all time.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-canada-live-updates-2024-copa-america-lionel-messi-score-result/yRrle4paHuhm/BeNQ1qaCPjJZ/ \|title=Messi passes Ali Daei \|work=The Athletic \|date=10 July 2024 \|access-date=10 July 2024 \|archive-date=10 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710125438/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-canada-live-updates-2024-copa-america-lionel-messi-score-result/yRrle4paHuhm/BeNQ1qaCPjJZ/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> Argentina eventually won the ] against ], setting Messi with 39 total appearances in the tournament, while also marking Argentina's second consecutive Copa América win and third consecutive international tournament title with Messi as captain.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|last=Thames \|first=Alanis \|title=Argentina wins record 16th Copa America title, beats Colombia 1-0 after Messi gets hurt \|url=https://apnews.com/article/copa-america-argentina-colombia-score-messi-6753475603a48683a3c4971e451e8263 \|publisher=] \|date=14 July 2024 \|access-date=10 September 2024}}</ref>
	===2012–13 season===
	During Barcelona's first game of the season against Real Sociedad, Messi continued his goalscoring run with a brace in a 5–1 win at the Camp Nou. Messi added another goal from a penalty in a 3–2 win against rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the ] in Barcelona on 23 August.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 3–2 – Supercopa de España 2012\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/23/barcelona-real-madrid-live-mbm?newsfeed=true\|accessdate=24 August 2012\|work=The Guardian\|location=London\|first=James\|last=Riach\|date=23 August 2012}}</ref> He added another brace against CA Osasuna as Barcelona came from behind away from home to beat them 2–1. Messi added another goal from a free kick in the second leg of the Supercopa de España, as Barcelona, down to ten men, were defeated by Real Madrid on away goals.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Cristiano Ronaldo seals Super Cup win for Real Madrid despite wonder free-kick from Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/cristiano-ronaldo-seals-super-cup-win-for-real-madrid-despite-wonder-freekick-from-lionel-messi-8092995.html\|accessdate=31 August 2012 \|location=London \|work=The Independent\|date=30 August 2012}}</ref> This marked his 15th goal in the ''El Clásico'' Real Madrid-Barcelona derby, which made him Barcelona's top scorer in Clasico matches, putting him tied with Raúl, behind only Alfredo Di Stefano, with 18 goals.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Real Madrid beat Barcelona to win Spanish Super Cup\|publisher=BBC Sport\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19402668\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref> Messi placed second along with Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2012 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, with 17 votes each. The award was won by Messi's Barcelona team mate Andrés Iniesta.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Iniesta beats Messi & Ronaldo to UEFA award\|url=http://www.givemefootball.com/european-news/iniesta-beats-messi-ronaldo-to-uefa-award\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref> In his third league appearance on 2 September against Valencia CF, Messi assisted the only goal of the match, by team mate Adriano, from a short corner. Messi scored two more goals in a win against Getafe on 15 September<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi brace helps see off Getafe\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1701897.html\|accessdate=27 September 2012}}</ref> and added another brace in his first ] match of the season against ] on 20 September, ending in a 3–2 win to Barcelona, also marking his tenth goal of the season.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi brace bails out shaky Barca vs Spartak\|url=http://fourfourtwo.com/news/championsleague/108945/default.aspx\|accessdate=17 September 2012}}</ref>

			== Player profile ==
	On 11 November, Messi scored twice at ], his 75th and 76th goals in 2012, surpassing ]'s milestone of 75 goals (1958) in a calendar year, and moved within nine of German legend Gerd Müller's all-time ] title.<ref>. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved 14 November 2012</ref> His 77th and 78th goals came against Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou which moved Messi seven goals away from the record.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/348405/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901\|title=Messi does it again\|date=17 November 2012\|accessdate=17 November 2012\|publisher=Allaboutfcbarcelona.com}}</ref> On 20 November, Messi scored twice at ], his 79th and 80th goals of 2012 and moved to within five goals of the record.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/355697/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901\|title=Messi closing in on Muller record\|date=20 November 2012\|accessdate=20 November 2012\|publisher=Allaboutfcbarcelona.com}}</ref> Messi continued his scoring run against ] on 25 November with his 81st and 82nd goals of the year which moved him within three goals of Müller.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/348388/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901\|title=Four-star Barca march on\|date=25 November 2012\|accessdate=25 November 2012\|publisher=Allaboutfcbarcelona.com}}</ref> On 1 December, Messi scored twice against Athletic Bilbao, his 83rd and 84th goals of the year, meaning he pulled to within one goal of Müller's record set in 1972. The two goals also meant Messi equaled the record for Barcelona's all time leading goalscoring record in La Liga, which was held by César Rodríguez with 190 goals.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-equals-cesars-record\|title=Messi equals César’s record\|date=12 December 2012\|publisher=fcbarcelona}}</ref> On 9 December, Messi scored twice against ], his 85th and 86th goals in 2012, surpassing Müller's milestone of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972 with Bayern Munich and the ], as well as surpassing Rodríguez's record for most league goals for Barcelona.<ref name="BBC Messi record">. BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 December 2012</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi sets record of 86 for goals in a year\|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/09/us-soccer-spain-messi-record-idUSBRE8B80EO20121209\|date=9 December 2012\|accessdate=9 December 2012\|first=Iain\|last=Rogers\|agency=Reuters}}</ref> Messi sent Müller a No.10 Barcelona shirt, signed "with respect and admiration", after breaking his record.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130117/lionel-messi-gerd-mueller-jersey.ap/ \|title=Mueller gets Messi's No. 10 Barcelona shirt \|agency=Associated Press \|work=SI.com \|date=17 January 2013 \|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> On 12 December, Messi increased his record to 88, after scoring twice against ] in the first leg of a ] game. On 16 December, Messi scored twice in a 4–1 Barcelona victory against Atlético Madrid, increasing his record to 90 goals.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi reaches 90 goals as Barca win\|url=http://www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news/detail/item909951/Messi-reaches-90-goals-as-Barca-win/\|publisher=espnstar.com\|date=16 December 2012\|accessdate=17 December 2012}}</ref> The tally found its end at 91 goals in a year after Messi scored once against ]. FIFA, however, refuses to acknowledge the record for the most goals in a calendar year, citing verifiability issues.<ref name="FIFA refuses to acknowledge Messi's record">{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20727929 \|title=Fifa refuses to back Lionel Messi or Godfrey Chitalu for goal record \|publisher=BBC Sport\|date=14 December 2012 \|accessdate=30 June 2013}}</ref> On 18 December 2012, it was announced that Barcelona would renew the contract of Messi, extending it until 30 June 2018.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Barça has renewed the contracts of Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Leo Messi \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyol-xavi-hernandez-and-leo-messi-renew-their-contract-with-fc-barcelona \|work=fcbarcelona.com publisher=FC Barcelona \|date=18 December 2012 \|accessdate=18 December 2012 }}</ref> The contract was signed 7 February 2013.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Messi extends contract through 2018: "It's a fantastic day" \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-extends-contract-through-2018 \|publisher=FCBarcelona.com \|date=7 February 2013 \|accessdate=8 February 2013 }}</ref>
			=== Style of play ===
			].]]
			Due to his short stature, Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players, which gives him greater agility, allowing him to change direction more quickly and evade opposing tackles;<ref name="GoldenYell">{{Cite news \|first=Cordt \|last=Schnibben \|title=The Golden Yell: Ronaldo and Messi Battle to Define a Football Era \|work=Der Spiegel \|date=6 June 2012 \|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/ronaldo-and-messi-compete-to-define-a-football-era-a-837019.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=8 June 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608132820/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/ronaldo-and-messi-compete-to-define-a-football-era-a-837019.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FiveReasons">{{Cite news \|first=Karl \|last=Ritter \|title=Five Reasons Why Messi Stands out in Soccer World \|newspaper=Boston Globe \|date=12 July 2014 \|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/07/12/reasons-why-messi-stands-out-football-world/mreF1boxmpDQcq7ZWenjqJ/story.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=25 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925101639/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/07/12/reasons-why-messi-stands-out-football-world/mreF1boxmpDQcq7ZWenjqJ/story.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> this has led the Spanish media to dub him '''''La Pulga Atómica''''' ("The Atomic Flea").<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi, goals for 2010 \|publisher=Mundo Deportivo (Spanish) \|date=7 December 2009 \|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20091206/messi-goles-para-2010_53837938612.html \|access-date=26 February 2016 \|archive-date=6 February 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206141454/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/20091206/messi-goles-para-2010_53837938612.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Messi becomes the 'Atomic Flea' \|publisher=Goal \|date=20 September 2012 \|url=http://www.goal.com/es/news/4284/el-fotomontaje-del-d%C3%ADa/2012/09/20/3390051/lionel-messi-se-convierte-en-la-pulga-at%C3%B3mica \|access-date=26 February 2016 \|archive-date=14 September 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914231953/https://www.goal.com/es/news/4284/el-fotomontaje-del-d%C3%ADa/2012/09/20/3390051/lionel-messi-se-convierte-en-la-pulga-at%C3%B3mica \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi, The Atomic Flea who became the best in the world \|publisher=AS (Spanish) \|date=28 January 2016 \|url=http://as.com/m/videos/2016/01/28/colombia/1453936234_817270.html \|access-date=26 February 2016 \|archive-date=3 March 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303162849/http://as.com/m/videos/2016/01/28/colombia/1453936234_817270.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents; he has consequently been noted for his lack of ] in a sport rife with playacting.<ref name="Here" /><ref name="FiveReasons" /><ref name="MakingCase">{{Cite news \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/7532805/Arsenal-v-Barcelona-Lionel-Messi-making-case-for-worlds-greatest-ever-player.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/champions-league/7532805/Arsenal-v-Barcelona-Lionel-Messi-making-case-for-worlds-greatest-ever-player.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|title=Arsenal v Barcelona: Lionel Messi Making Case for World's Greatest Ever Player \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|first=Kevin \|last=Garside \|date=29 March 2010 \|access-date=17 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when ] at speed.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Lucas \|last=Brown \|title=Lionel Messi – the New Maradona? \|publisher=UEFA \|date=30 September 2005 \|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=347644.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=1 October 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075035/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=347644.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> His former Barcelona manager ] once stated, "Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it."<ref name="FTMag">{{cite news \|first=Ronald \|last=Reng \|title=Lionel Messi \|magazine=FT Magazine \|date=27 May 2011 \|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/cfa0d296-8672-11e0-9d5c-00144feabdc0.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630163752/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/cfa0d296-8672-11e0-9d5c-00144feabdc0.html \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|url-access=subscription \|url-status=live \|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref> Although he has improved his ability with his weaker foot since his mid-20s, Messi is predominantly a left-footed player; with the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and assists.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|p=553}}<ref name="Control">{{Cite news \|first=Fabio \|last=Monti \|title=Controllo, Corsa, Tocco di Palla: Perché nel Calcio Piccolo è Bello \|trans-title=Control, Stroke and Touch on the Ball: Because in Football Small Is Beautiful \|newspaper=Corriere della Sera \|language=it \|date=8 April 2010 \|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2010/aprile/08/Controllo_corsa_tocco_palla_Perche_co_9_100408088.shtml \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=21 February 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221031158/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2010/aprile/08/Controllo_corsa_tocco_palla_Perche_co_9_100408088.shtml \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			A prolific goalscorer, Messi is known for his finishing, positioning, quick reactions, and ability to make attacking runs to beat the defensive line. He also functions in a ] role, courtesy of his vision and range of passing.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.thesportster.com/soccer/top-25-greatest-playmakers-ever \|title=Top 25 Greatest Playmakers Ever \|work=The Sportster \|date=4 July 2015 \|access-date=22 September 2020 \|archive-date=29 November 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129193935/https://www.thesportster.com/soccer/top-25-greatest-playmakers-ever/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> He has often been described as a magician; a conjurer, creating goals and opportunities where seemingly none exist.<ref>{{cite web \|date=7 January 2020 \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, goals, records, highlights, Juventus, hat trick, statistics, best stats, age, break down \|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-goals-highlights-juventus-hat-trick-statistics-age-break-down/news-story/705ff21fcd63e4e372bb62d9f7c3e00a \|access-date=10 August 2020 \|work=Fox Sports \|archive-date=26 March 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326162010/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-goals-highlights-juventus-hat-trick-statistics-age-break-down/news-story/705ff21fcd63e4e372bb62d9f7c3e00a \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=As Lionel Messi turns 32, a fan ruminates on the ambivalent legacy of the football wizard \|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/as-lionel-messi-turns-32-a-fan-ruminates-on-the-ambivalent-legacy-of-the-football-wizard/cid/1693021 \|access-date=10 August 2020 \|work=Telegraph India \|archive-date=6 July 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706113701/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/as-lionel-messi-turns-32-a-fan-ruminates-on-the-ambivalent-legacy-of-the-football-wizard/cid/1693021 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|date=27 July 2008 \|title=Lionel Messi steals the show for Barcelona at Dundee United \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2462724/Lionel-Messi-steals-the-show-for-Barcelona-at-Dundee-United.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2462724/Lionel-Messi-steals-the-show-for-Barcelona-at-Dundee-United.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=10 August 2020 \|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Moreover, he is an accurate ] and ] taker.<ref name="FiveReasons" /><ref name="SixReasons">{{cite web \|first=Francesc \|last=Tomas \|title=Six Reasons Why Lionel Messi Is the World's Best \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=25 June 2015 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2504382/six-reasons-why-lionel-messi-is-worlds-best \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034318/http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2504382/six-reasons-why-lionel-messi-is-worlds-best \|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2023, Messi ranks fifth all time in goals scored from direct free kicks with 65,<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Most goals via free-kicks in football history \|url=https://www.sportsadda.com/football/news/most-free-kick-goals-football-history-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo \|access-date=25 August 2023 \|work=Sports Adda \|date=7 August 2023 \|archive-date=3 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803221831/https://www.sportsadda.com/football/news/most-free-kick-goals-football-history-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo \|url-status=live}}</ref> the most among active players.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Copeland \|first=Robbie \|title=Lionel Messi becomes top free-kick scorer among active players \|url=https://www.90min.com/posts/lionel-messi-top-free-kick-scorer-active-players-cristiano-ronaldo-copa-america \|access-date=3 August 2021 \|work=90min.com \|date=4 July 2021 \|archive-date=3 August 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803183459/https://www.90min.com/posts/lionel-messi-top-free-kick-scorer-active-players-cristiano-ronaldo-copa-america \|url-status=live}}</ref> He also has a penchant for scoring from ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/02/22/58adac0ae5fdea9b038b45d2.html \|title=The art of the chip: Falcao matches Totti, Messi and Raul \|publisher=Marca \|last=del Río \|first=Joel \|date=22 February 2017 \|access-date=11 April 2017 \|archive-date=2 November 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102044650/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/02/22/58adac0ae5fdea9b038b45d2.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	On 7 January 2013 odds-on favourite<ref name="BBC_3">{{cite web \|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20910453 \|title=Ballon d'Or contenders Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta in profile \|publisher=BBC \|date=6 January 2013 \|accessdate=7 January 2013 \|last=Chowdhury \|first=Saj }}</ref> Messi won the ], again beating Cristiano Ronaldo into second place with team-mate Andrés Iniesta third. In doing this, Messi became the only player in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times.<ref name="CNN_Ballon2012">{{cite news \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/07/sport/football/football-messi-wins-ballon-dor-ronaldo-iniesta/index.html?hpt=isp_c1 \|title=Messi crowned world's best for record fourth time \|publisher=CNN \|date=7 January 2013 \|accessdate=8 January 2013}}</ref> Messi described receiving the accolade as "really quite unbelievable" and "too great for words".<ref name="BBCBaloon2012">{{cite web \|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20937775 \|title=Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or ahead of Ronaldo & Iniesta \|publisher=BBC \|date=7 January 2013 \|accessdate=8 January 2013}}</ref> The achievement fuelled media comparison of Messi with former greats of the sport such as Diego Maradona and Pelé.<ref name="BBCNewsbeat">{{cite web \|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/20943498 \|title=How does Lionel Messi stack up against football legends? \|publisher=BBC \|date=8 January 2013 \|accessdate=8 January 2013 \|last=Cairns \|first=Dan}}</ref><ref name="BBC_Ballon2012_2">{{cite web \|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20935498 \|title=Lionel Messi’s fourth Ballon d’Or confirms player's legendary status \|publisher=BBC \|date=8 January 2013 \|accessdate=8 January 2013 \|last=McNulty \|first=Phil }}</ref>

			]
	On 27 January 2013, Messi scored 4 goals in a 5–1 win against Osasuna, including his 200th goal in ], becoming the eighth and youngest player to do so.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Leo Messi breaks the 200-goal barrier in La Liga\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-breaks-the-200-goal-barrier-in-la-liga\|accessdate=28 January 2012 }}</ref> This brought his La Liga tally for the season up to 33, and his goalscoring total to 44 goals in all competitions. On 16 February 2013, Messi scored his 300th Barcelona goal the La Liga match against ], later scoring again in the match to bring his tally to 301 goals in 365 official matches.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Primera Liga round-up: Lionel Messi inspires Barcelona as Malaga triumph \|url=http://www.teamtalk.com/news/2483/8505573/Primera-Liga-round-up-Lionel-Messi-inspires-Barcelona-as-Malaga-triumph \|publisher=TEAMtalk \|date=16 February 2013 \|accessdate=12 March 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Mark \|last=Elkington \|title=Lionel Messi passes 300 goals for Barcelona... \|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/8315447/Lionel-Messi-passes-300-goals-for-Barcelona \|publisher=Stuff.co.nz \|date=17 February 2013 \|accessdate=12 March 2013 }}</ref><ref> FIFA.com. Retrieved 18 February 2013</ref> On 2 March 2013, Messi scored a goal against Real Madrid in a match that Barcelona lost 2–1. With that goal, Lionel Messi equalled Alfredo Di Stefano's Clasico goals record of 18.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Messi equals Di Stefano's Clasico goals record \|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/messi-equals-di-stefanos-clasico-151900718--sow.html \|publisher=Yahoo Sports \|date=2 March 2013 \|accessdate=2 March 2013 }}</ref> On 9 March 2013, Messi scored after coming on as a substitute against ], scoring in his 17th consecutive league match and breaking the all-time world record.<ref>, ''The Guardian'', 9 March 2013.</ref> Messi's record goalscoring run of 33 goals in 21 games ended against Atletico Madrid.<ref name=streak>{{cite web\|title=Messi's Record Goal Scoring Streak Ends\|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/2013/05/13/lionel-messis-record-goal-scoring-streak-ends/\|accessdate=18 June 2013}}</ref>
			Messi's pace and technical ability enable him to undertake individual dribbling runs towards goal, in particular during counterattacks, usually starting from the halfway line or the right side of the pitch.<ref name="MakingCase" /><ref name="SixReasons" /><ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/opinion/22iht-edcohen.html \|title=The Loose Vuvuzela \|work=The New York Times \|last=Cohen \|first=Roger \|date=21 June 2010 \|access-date=12 April 2020 \|archive-date=12 April 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412150925/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/opinion/22iht-edcohen.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> He is widely considered to be one of the greatest dribblers of all time.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/lionel-messi-dribbling-2015-6 \|title=Here's what makes Lionel Messi so impossible to defend \|work=Business Insider \|first=Scott \|last=Davis \|date=6 June 2015 \|access-date=8 November 2015 \|archive-date=24 October 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024100544/http://www.businessinsider.com/lionel-messi-dribbling-2015-6 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/07/lionel-messi-barcelona-bayern-munich \|title=Lionel Messi: the genius who operates to a different set of physical rules \|work=The Guardian \|first=Barney \|last=Ronay \|date=7 May 2015 \|access-date=8 November 2015 \|archive-date=11 December 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211015917/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/07/lionel-messi-barcelona-bayern-munich \|url-status=live}}</ref> With regard to this ability, his former Argentina manager ] 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."<ref name="Control" /> Beyond his individual qualities, he is also a well-rounded, hard-working team player, known for his creative combinations, in particular with former Barcelona midfielders ] and ].<ref name="GoldenYell" /><ref name="FiveReasons" />

			As his career advanced, and his athleticism and tendency to dribble diminished slightly with age, Messi began to dictate play in ] and developed into one of the best passers and playmakers in football history.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.thesportster.com/soccer/top-25-greatest-playmakers-ever/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102044651/https://www.thesportster.com/soccer/top-25-greatest-playmakers-ever/ \|archive-date=2 November 2022 \|title=Top 25 Greatest Playmakers Ever \|work=the Sportster \|date=4 July 2015 \|access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no2-lionel-messi \|title=FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.2, Lionel Messi \|work=FourFourTwo \|first=Thore \|last=Haugstad \|date=28 July 2017 \|access-date=30 April 2019 \|archive-date=9 November 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109021805/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no2-lionel-messi \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/la-liga/992349/lionel-messi-misses-out-worlds-best-playmaker-2018-second-real-madrid-star/ \|title=Lionel Messi misses out on World's best Playmaker 2018 title, finishes second to Real Madrid star \|work=Fox Sports Asia \|first=Aditya \|last=Rangarajan \|date=6 December 2018 \|access-date=30 April 2019 \|archive-date=8 December 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208211629/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/la-liga/992349/lionel-messi-misses-out-worlds-best-playmaker-2018-second-real-madrid-star/ \|url-status=dead}}</ref> His work-rate off the ball and defensive responsibilities also decreased as his career progressed; by covering less ground on the pitch, and instead conserving his energy for short bursts of speed, he was able to improve his efficiency, movement, and positional play, and was also able to avoid muscular injuries, despite often playing a large number of matches throughout a particular season on a consistent basis. Indeed, while he was injury-prone in his early career, he was later able to improve his injury record by running less off the ball, and by adopting a stricter diet, training regime, and sleep schedule.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2012/10/23/3468661/how-messi-went-from-injury-prone-teenager-to-bionic-man \|title=How Messi went from injury-prone teenager to bionic man \|website=] \|publisher=Footballco \|last=Hayward \|first=Ben \|date=23 October 2012 \|access-date=7 July 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707062037/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2012/10/23/3468661/how-messi-went-from-injury-prone-teenager-to-bionic-man/ \|archive-date=7 July 2019 \|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	On 12 March, Messi scored two goals, and helped create the fourth, to help Barcelona defeat ] (4–0) in the second leg of their Champions League game and reach the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Round of 16( CL 2013)\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/match-archive/2012-2013/champions-league/1-8-2nd-leg/fc-barcelona_milan\|publisher=Fc Barcelona\|accessdate=13 March 2013}}</ref> Messi's opening goal against Milan once again drew further comparisons between himself and Diego Maradona, due to the similarity between Messi's opening goal of the match and Maradona's famous goal against ] in the ]. On 17 March 2013, in a match against ], Messi wore the ] for the first time in an official match for Barcelona, taking over after Andrés Iniesta was substituted.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/image_gallery/leo-messi-captains-fc-barcelona-for-the-first-time-in-an-official-match\|title=Leo Messi captains FC Barcelona for the first time in an official match\|date=18 March 2013\|publisher=FC Barcelona}}</ref> On 30 March, Messi scored for the 19th consecutive La Liga game, netting Barcelona's second goal at ] and thus becoming the first footballer in La Liga's history to score in consecutive matches against every team.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/season/2012-2013/leo-messi-s-record-breaking-run-continues-becomes-first-player-to-score-against-19-opponents-consecutively\|title=Leo Messi's record-breaking run continues; becomes first player to score against 19 opponents consecutively\|date=30 March 2013\|publisher=FC Barcelona}}</ref>

			=== Tactical positioning ===
	On 2 April 2013, after scoring a goal in a match against ], Messi suffered from a hamstring problem in his left leg and was substituted at half time.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21989995\|title=Champions League quarter-final Barcelona vs Paris St-Germain first leg\|date=2 April 2013\|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Since then his first team appearances have been irregular. On 13 May 2013, Messi was unable to finish the match against Atletico Madrid due to recurrence of the hamstring injury in his left leg, he was forced to leave the field midway through the second half.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/05/12/en/football/barcelona/1368388423.html\|title=Messi unable to finish match due to injury\|date=12 May 2013\|publisher=Marca}}</ref> It was later announced that he could miss the rest of the season due to the injury.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22506157\|title=Messi may miss last three games of the season\|date=14 May 2013\|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
			].]]
	In the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona were down a goal, and Messi was on the bench due to a recurring injury problem. In the second half, Messi came off the bench and combined with ] to help create Pedro's game tying goal for Barcelona, which allowed them to progress to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Barcelona hail half-fit Lionel Messi for changing game against PSG\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/apr/11/barcelona-lionel-messi-psg\|work=The Guardian\|accessdate=18 June 2013\|location=London\|first=Sid\|last=Lowe\|date=11 April 2013}}</ref> Barcelona were eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual winners of the competition, Bayern Munich. Barcelona were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, by arch-rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona, however, managed to regain the La Liga title from Real Madrid, equalling their record 100 point campaign, which had been accomplished during the previous season.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Barca equals 100 La Liga points record\|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/laliga/story/barcelona-4-1-malaga-match-report-barca-equals-100-league-points-record-real-madrid-060113\|accessdate=18 June 2013}}</ref> Messi once again finished as ] top scorer for the second consecutive year, with 46 goals, also producing 12 assists in the competition. Messi scored 60 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions that season.
			Tactically, Messi plays in a free attacking role; a versatile player, he is capable of attacking on either wing or through the centre of the pitch. His favoured position in childhood was the playmaker behind two strikers, known as the ''enganche'' in Argentine football, but he began his career in Spain as a ] or ].{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=155–156, 405–406}} Upon his first-team debut, he was moved onto the right wing by manager ]; from this position, he could more easily cut through the defence into the middle of the pitch and ] shots on goal with his left foot, rather than predominantly ] balls for teammates.<ref name="FTMag" /> Under Guardiola and subsequent managers, he most often played in a ] role; positioned as a ] or lone ], he would roam the centre, often moving deep into midfield and drawing defenders with him, in order 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.<ref name="BoyGenius" />

			Under the stewardship of ], Messi initially returned to playing in the right-sided position that characterised much of his early career in the manager's 4–3–3 formation,<ref>{{cite news \|first=Andy \|last=West \|title=Motivated Lionel Messi Transforms Barcelona's Hopes for Trophy Treble \|work=BBC Sport \|date=19 March 2015 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31956028 \|access-date=11 August 2015 \|archive-date=19 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919015618/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31956028 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/21/how-luis-suarez-moved-lionel-messi-onto-barcelona-wing-to-become/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/21/how-luis-suarez-moved-lionel-messi-onto-barcelona-wing-to-become/ \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|title=How Luis Suarez moved Lionel Messi onto Barcelona's wing and became the best centre-forward on the planet \|newspaper=The Telegraph \|first=Alistair \|last=Tweedale \|date=21 May 2016 \|access-date=30 June 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while he was increasingly deployed in a deeper, free playmaking role in later seasons.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=esp/news/newsid=2236364.html \|title=In focus: Messi's changing role \|publisher=UEFA \|first=Richard \|last=Martin \|date=19 April 2015 \|access-date=8 November 2016 \|archive-date=18 April 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418233636/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=esp/news/newsid=2236364.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="improvement">{{cite web \|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/11105832/barcelona8217s-improvement-under-ernesto-valverde-examined \|title=Barcelona's improvement under Ernesto Valverde examined \|publisher=Sky Sports \|first1=Guillem \|last1=Balagué \|author-link1=Guillem Balagué \|first2=Nick \|last2=Wright \|first3=Adam \|last3=Smith \|date=30 October 2017 \|access-date=30 June 2018 \|archive-date=30 June 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630213931/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/11105832/barcelona8217s-improvement-under-ernesto-valverde-examined \|url-status=live}}</ref> Under manager ], Messi played in a variety of roles. While he occasionally continued to be deployed in a deeper role, from which he could make runs from behind into the box,<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.squawka.com/en/news/barcelona-top-scorer-lionel-messi-explains-how-has-role-has-developed-under-valverde/1019375#bEStu6B25LqTkjvv.97 \|title=Barcelona top-scorer Lionel Messi explains how has role has developed under Valverde \|work=Squawka \|first=Cady \|last=Siregar \|date=7 March 2018 \|access-date=13 August 2018 \|archive-date=15 July 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715155510/http://www.squawka.com/en/news/barcelona-top-scorer-lionel-messi-explains-how-has-role-has-developed-under-valverde/1019375#bEStu6B25LqTkjvv.97 \|url-status=live}}</ref> or even on the right wing<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.squawka.com/en/news/dembele-is-going-nowhere-five-things-learned-from-barcelonas-super-cup-win-v-sevilla/1053044 \|title=Dembele is going nowhere: Five things learned from Barcelona's Super Cup win v Sevilla \|work=Squawka \|first=Muhammad \|last=Butt \|date=12 August 2018 \|access-date=13 August 2018 \|archive-date=13 August 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813114311/http://www.squawka.com/en/news/dembele-is-going-nowhere-five-things-learned-from-barcelonas-super-cup-win-v-sevilla/1053044 \|url-status=live}}</ref> or as a false nine,<ref>{{Cite news \|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/08/21/599a9d8de5fdeae2358b457b.html \|title=Valverde returns Messi to the False 9 role \|newspaper=Marca \|date=21 August 2017 \|access-date=13 August 2018 \|archive-date=14 August 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814001634/http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/08/21/599a9d8de5fdeae2358b457b.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/09/11/59b650a3e2704e62408b4611.html \|title=Valverde recycles Messi \|newspaper=Marca \|first=Sergi \|last=Sanz \|date=11 November 2017 \|access-date=13 August 2018 \|archive-date=13 August 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813210327/http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/09/11/59b650a3e2704e62408b4611.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> he was also used in a more offensive, central role in a 4–2–3–1,<ref name="improvement" /> or as a second striker in a 4–4–2 formation, where he was once again given the licence to drop deep, link-up with midfielders, orchestrate his team's attacking plays, and create chances for his attacking partner ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/1461884 \|title=3 ways Barcelona could line up with Coutinho \|work=The Score \|first=Michael J. \|last=Chandler \|date=6 January 2018 \|access-date=30 June 2018 \|archive-date=6 July 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706113716/https://www.thescore.com/news/1461884 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dissected-how-the-new-barca-play-and-where-theres-hope-for-chelsea-rpwl0wbn5 \|title=Dissected: How the new Barcelona play – and why there's hope for Chelsea \|newspaper=The Times \|first=Tom \|last=Clarke \|date=19 February 2018 \|access-date=30 June 2018 \|archive-date=30 June 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630185857/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dissected-how-the-new-barca-play-and-where-theres-hope-for-chelsea-rpwl0wbn5 \|url-status=live}}</ref> With the Argentina national team, Messi has similarly played anywhere along the frontline. Under various managers, he has been employed on the right wing, as a false nine, as an out-and-out striker, in a supporting role alongside another forward, or in a deeper, free creative role as a classic number 10 playmaker or ] behind the strikers.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Michael \|last=Cox \|title=Lionel Messi Showing Some Promising Signs in a New Argentina Role \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=13 November 2014 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2144957/argentina-national-team-lionel-messi-showing-some-promising-signs-in-a-new-argentina-role \|access-date=13 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924013602/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2144957/argentina-national-team-lionel-messi-showing-some-promising-signs-in-a-new-argentina-role \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/18/argentina-copa-america-lionel-messi-tactics \|title=Argentina's great tactical dilemma: where should Lionel Messi play? \|newspaper=The Guardian \|first=Martin \|last=Mazur \|date=18 June 2016 \|access-date=4 July 2018 \|archive-date=4 July 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704213019/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/18/argentina-copa-america-lionel-messi-tactics \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2013–14 season===
	].\|left]]
	Messi was nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and ], for a third consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web\|title=UEFA Best Player in Europe Award\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefa/uefa-best-player-award/season=2013/nominees/index.html\|accessdate=29 August 2013}}</ref> Ribéry won the award with 36 votes. Messi finished in second place with 14 votes, while Ronaldo finished in third-place with 3 votes.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Ribery voted Europe's best\|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/ChampionsLeague/Ribery-voted-Europes-best-20130829\|publisher=Sport24.com\|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Ribery beats Messi and Ronaldo to UEFA prize\|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/champions-league-ribery-beats-messi-ronaldo-top-uefa-165728901.html\|publisher=Yahoo.com\|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref>
	On 18 August 2013, Messi opened the ] Season with two goals and an assist against Levante UD, as Barcelona went on to win the match 7–0.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi shines, Neymar debuts in Barcelona rout of Levante \|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130818/barcelona-levante-lionel-messi-neymar/\|accessdate=29 August 2013 \|work=CNN \|date=18 August 2013 }}</ref> On 28 August, Barcelona claimed their 11th ] title over Atlético Madrid on away goals.

			== Reception ==
	On 1 September, Messi scored his 23rd career hat-trick in a 3–2 win against Valencia CF. With these goals he became the player to score 100 away goals and become highest scorer in away fixtures in the league's history.<ref name=away_goals_record>{{cite news\|title=Leo Messi breaks more records at Mestalla\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-breaks-more-records-at-mestalla\|accessdate=2 September 2013\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref> These goals made him the sixth-highest goalscorer in ], surpassing ] tally of 219.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/01/lionel-messi-barcelona-valencia-la-liga\|title=Lionel Messi hattrick puts Barcelona on path to victory at Valencia\|publisher=The Gurdian\|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Messi fires home his 23rd career hat trick for Barcelona \|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/messi-fires-home-another-hat-trick-for-barcelona/article14069526/ \|accessdate=2 September 2013 \|location=Toronto \|deadurl=yes }} {{Dead link\|date=April 2014\|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> On 18 September 2013, Messi scored his 24th career hat-trick in Barcelona's first ] win of the season, at home against ], which ended 4–0. The goals made him the second-highest goalscorer of all time in the ], with 62 goals, only behind Raúl, and the fourth-highest goalscorer of all time in ], with 63. With this hatrick Messi became the first player to score four hat tricks in the Champions League.<ref name=four_hat_tricks>{{cite news\|title=Messi becomes first player to score 4 hat tricks in the Champions League \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-becomes-first-player-to-ever-score-4-hat-tricks-in-the-champions-league\|accessdate=20 September 2013\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref> On 10 November, Messi suffered an injury in a 4–1 away win against ], which would keep him sidelined until January 2014. This was his third injury of the season.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Real Betis vs. Barcelona: Messi injury sours Barca win\|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373089/report.html\|accessdate=16 December 2013}}</ref>
			Messi is widely regarded as one of the two best players of his generation, alongside Portuguese forward ],<ref name="RonaldoRivalry">Various sources:
			* {{cite web \|url=http://www.goal.com/story/messi-ronaldo-the-future/index.html \|title=A future without Messi and Ronaldo \|work=] \|access-date=8 June 2018 \|last=Macdonald \|first=Paul \|archive-date=29 October 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029200613/https://www.goal.com/story/messi-ronaldo-the-future/index.html \|url-status=live }}
			* {{cite web \|last=Staunton \|first=Peter \|url=http://www.goal.com/story/messi-ronaldo-changing-face-of-football/index.html \|title=Messi and Ronaldo: Changing the face of football \|work=] \|access-date=8 June 2018 \|archive-date=4 August 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804214954/http://www.goal.com/story/messi-ronaldo-changing-face-of-football/index.html \|url-status=live }}
			* {{cite web \|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/whoever-wins-the-ballon-d-or-the-messi-ronaldo-duopoly-is-coming-to-an-end_sto5054730/story.shtml \|title=Whoever wins the Ballon d'Or, the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly is coming to an end \|work=] \|date=11 January 2016 \|access-date=8 June 2018 \|last=Haugstad \|first=Thore \|archive-date=20 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120014411/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/whoever-wins-the-ballon-d-or-the-messi-ronaldo-duopoly-is-coming-to-an-end_sto5054730/story.shtml \|url-status=live }}</ref>
			and one of the greatest footballers of all time.<ref name="goat">
			Various sources:
			* {{Cite web \|first=James \|last=Robson \|title=Messi wins World Cup to push claim to be soccer's GOAT \|publisher=] \|date=18 December 2022 \|url=https://apnews.com/article/lionel-messi-wins-world-cup-final-is-he-the-goat-0bf74af4ef88ea1e6b3eadce375ebb4a \|access-date=7 October 2024 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=3 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703140046/https://apnews.com/article/lionel-messi-wins-world-cup-final-is-he-the-goat-0bf74af4ef88ea1e6b3eadce375ebb4a}}
			* {{cite web \|last=Lane \|first=Barnaby \|date=18 December 2022 \|title=Lionel Messi cements status as soccer GOAT as Argentina wins thrilling World Cup final \|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lionel-messi-cements-status-as-goat-argentina-win-world-cup-2022-12 \|access-date=20 December 2022 \|website=] \|archive-date=24 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224021804/https://www.businessinsider.com/lionel-messi-cements-status-as-goat-argentina-win-world-cup-2022-12 \|url-status=live}}
			* {{cite web \|last=McIntyre \|first=Doug \|date=18 December 2022 \|title=Lionel Messi Cements His Goat Status With A Little Help From His Friends \|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-cements-his-goat-status-with-a-little-help-from-his-friends\|access-date=20 January 2023 \|website=Fox Sports\|archive-date=4 April 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404023500/https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-cements-his-goat-status-with-a-little-help-from-his-friends\|url-status=live}}</ref>
			A prodigious talent as a teenager, Messi established himself among the world's best players before age 20.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi: I'm Not the Best \|publisher=FIFA \|date=31 May 2007 \|url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/529/475/index.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924214113/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/529/475/index.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|access-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> Shortly after teammate ] won the ], he commented, "I'm not even the best at Barça" in reference to his 18-year-old protégé.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Phil \|last=Ball \|title=Britain v Spain (Sort Of) \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=23 February 2006 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/359600 \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135558/http://www.espnfc.com/story/359600 \|url-status=live}}</ref> Four years later, after Messi won his first ] by a record margin,{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=519–524}} the public debate regarding his qualities as a player moved beyond his status in contemporary football to the possibility that he was one of the greatest players in history.<ref name="MagicFeet" /><ref name="MakingCase" /><ref>{{Cite news \|first=Phil \|last=Minshull \|title=Is Messi the Greatest Ever? \|work=BBC Sport \|date=30 March 2010 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philminshull/2010/03/is_messi_the_greatest_ever.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=9 November 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025354/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philminshull/2010/03/is_messi_the_greatest_ever.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> An early proponent was his then-] manager ], who, as early as August 2009, declared Messi to be the best player he had ever seen.<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Messi Es el Mejor Jugador que Veré Jamás \|trans-title=Messi Is the Best Player I Have Ever Seen \|newspaper=El Mundo \|language=es \|date=29 August 2009 \|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/08/29/futbol/1251499664.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=22 March 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322125856/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/08/29/futbol/1251499664.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following years, this opinion gained greater acceptance among pundits, managers, former and current players,<ref name="Sublime" /><ref>{{Cite news \|title=Lionel Messi: Is the Barcelona and Argentina Star the Greatest Player Ever? \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=29 May 2011 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/8545361/Lionel-Messi-is-the-Barcelona-and-Argentina-star-the-greatest-player-ever.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/8545361/Lionel-Messi-is-the-Barcelona-and-Argentina-star-the-greatest-player-ever.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=17 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and by the end of Barça's second treble-winning season, the view of Messi as one of the greatest footballers of all time had become the apparent view among many fans and pundits in continental Europe.<ref name="Telegraph 2016">{{Cite news \|agency=Agence France-Presse \|title=Magical Messi Grabs Hat-trick in Copa America as Argentina Romp into Quarters \|newspaper=] \|date=11 June 2016 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/11/magical-messi-grabs-hat-trick-in-copa-america-as-argentina-romp/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/11/magical-messi-grabs-hat-trick-in-copa-america-as-argentina-romp/ \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=29 June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|first=Pete \|last=Jenson \|title=Lionel Messi: Is the Barcelona Forward the Greatest of Them All? \|newspaper=The Independent \|date=30 May 2015 \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/lionel-messi-is-the-barcelona-forward-the-greatest-of-them-all-10287066.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/lionel-messi-is-the-barcelona-forward-the-greatest-of-them-all-10287066.html \|archive-date=14 June 2022 \|url-status=live \|access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref> He initially received dismissals by critics based on the fact that he had not won an international tournament at senior level with Argentina.<ref name="laughable">{{cite web \|first=John \|last=Tilghman \|title=Maradona vs. Messi: A Laughable Comparison \|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/508097-maradona-vs-messi-a-laughable-comparison?search_query=John%20Tilghman \|website=Bleacher Report \|access-date=1 May 2019 \|date=4 November 2010 \|archive-date=1 May 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501160742/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/508097-maradona-vs-messi-a-laughable-comparison%3Fsearch_query%3DJohn%2520Tilghman \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Dan \|last=Cairns \|title=How Does Lionel Messi Stack up against Football Legends? \|publisher=BBC Newsbeat \|date=8 January 2013 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/20943498/how-does-lionel-messi-stack-up-against-football-legends \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=11 November 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212413/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/20943498/how-does-lionel-messi-stack-up-against-football-legends \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lea">{{cite web \| last=Lea \| first=Greg \| url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-messi-vs-maradona-debate-flawed-and-always-will-be \| title=Why the Messi vs Maradona debate is flawed (And always will be) \| date=22 June 2016 \| access-date=1 October 2024 \| archive-date=1 October 2024 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001173300/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-messi-vs-maradona-debate-flawed-and-always-will-be \| url-status=live }}</ref> However, Messi's subsequent victories in the ] and the ] resulted in him finally winning every top tier trophy at both the club and country levels, an achievement that many pundits felt cemented his legacy.<ref name="goat"/>

			=== Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo ===
	On 8 January 2014, Messi returned from injury to score twice for Barça in a 4–0 ] win against Getafe.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25638389\|title=Lionel Messi scores twice for Barcelona on injury return\|date=8 January 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref> On 13 January, he placed second in the ], behind Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25705654\|title=Ballon d'Or: Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi and Ribery\|date=13 January 2014\|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 15 February, Messi scored twice against Rayo Vallecano in a 6–0 win to overtake fellow Argentine ] and draw level with Raúl as the third-highest goalscorer in La Liga history with 228 goals.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26129121\|title=Barcelona 6–0 Rayo Vallecano\|date=15 February 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref>
			{{Main\|Messi–Ronaldo rivalry}}
			] (left) throughout much of their careers.]]
			Among his contemporary peers, Messi is most often compared and contrasted with Cristiano Ronaldo, who many consider his ].<ref name="RonaldoRivalry" /> Both achieved numerous individual accolades, won dozens of trophies for both club and country, and are the two ]. Although Messi has at times denied any rivalry,<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Barcelona's Lionel Messi Blames Media for Inventing Rivalry with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=15 August 2012 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/9478241/Barcelonas-Lionel-Messi-blames-media-for-inventing-rivalry-with-Real-Madrids-Cristiano-Ronaldo.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/9478241/Barcelonas-Lionel-Messi-blames-media-for-inventing-rivalry-with-Real-Madrids-Cristiano-Ronaldo.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=17 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Ben \|last=Snowball \|title=Lionel Messi: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not My Rival \|publisher=Eurosport \|date=11 June 2015 \|url=http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-is-not-my-rival_sto4779011/story.shtml \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924004853/http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-is-not-my-rival_sto4779011/story.shtml \|url-status=live}}</ref> they are widely believed to push one another in their aim to be the best player in the world.<ref name="Overtaken">{{cite news \|first=Andy \|last=West \|title=Real Madrid v Barcelona: Has Ronaldo Overtaken Messi? \|work=BBC Sport \|date=22 March 2014 \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26651301 \|access-date=10 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 August 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824045031/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26651301 \|url-status=live}}</ref> Pundits have compared the ongoing rivalry to ] like the ]–] rivalry in boxing, the ] in motorsport, and the tennis rivalries between ] and ].<ref>Various sources:
			* {{cite news \|last=Hunter \|first=Graham \|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5842703/el-clasico-all-ronaldo-vs-messi \|title=The game's best rivalry \|date=28 November 2010 \|access-date=30 September 2014 \|work=ESPN \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006150207/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5842703/el-clasico-all-ronaldo-vs-messi \|archive-date=6 October 2014}}
			* {{cite web \|title=Messi v Ronaldo \|publisher=Sky Sports \|date=17 October 2011 \|url=http://www.skysports.com/news/21227/7235124/messi-v-ronaldo \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006105413/http://www.skysports.com/news/21227/7235124/messi-v-ronaldo \|archive-date=6 October 2014 \|url-status=dead}}
			* {{cite news \|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article3637725.ece \|title=The Special Two \|date=21 December 2012 \|access-date=13 October 2014 \|work=The Times \|url-access=subscription \|archive-date=26 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626225332/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article3637725.ece \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			Fans and pundits alike regularly argue the individual merits of both players.<ref name="Overtaken" /><ref>{{Cite news \|first=Chris \|last=Mendes \|title=World Cup 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo's Personal Duel with Lionel Messi Is Affecting His Performances for Portugal \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|date=24 June 2014 \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/cristiano-ronaldo/10923614/World-Cup-2014-Cristiano-Ronaldos-personal-duel-with-Lionel-Messi-is-affecting-his-performances-for-Portugal.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/cristiano-ronaldo/10923614/World-Cup-2014-Cristiano-Ronaldos-personal-duel-with-Lionel-Messi-is-affecting-his-performances-for-Portugal.html \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|access-date=17 August 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Messi is lauded for his combination of dribbling, playmaking, passing and goalscoring, while Ronaldo has received praise for his exceptional speed and athleticism, goalscoring skills, and performance under pressure.<ref>
	On 16 March 2014, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 defeat of Osasuna to overtake ] as Barça's ] in all competitions, including ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26651301\|title=Real Madrid v Barcelona: Has Ronaldo overtaken Messi?\|date=22 March 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref> On 23 March, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–3 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu to become the outright all-time ] in El Clásico fixtures, ahead of Di Stefano.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/23/lionel-messi-becomes-top-all-time-el-clasico-scorer-as-thrilling-match-is-2-2-at-half/\|title=Lionel Messi becomes top El Clasico scorer as Barcelona beats Real Madrid in 4–3 thriller\|date=23 March 2014\|work=NBC}}</ref> These goals also enabled him to become the second highest goalscorer in La Liga, overtaking ].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi surpasses Hugo Sánchez as the second all-time scorer in La Liga and Di Stéfano as the top all-time scorer in Clásicos\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-surpasses-hugo-sanchez-as-the-second-all-time-scorer-in-la-liga-and-di-stefano-as-the-top-all-time-scorer-in-clasicos\|accessdate=2 July 2014 }}</ref>
			{{cite news \|last=Smith \|first=Ben \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17786045 \|title=Barcelona's Messi v Real Madrid's Ronaldo \|date=20 April 2012 \|access-date=13 October 2014 \|work=BBC \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905081616/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17786045 \|archive-date=5 September 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Rice \|first=Simon \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/lionel-messi-v-cristiano-ronaldo--worlds-greatest-players-locked-in-new-battle-8567328.html \|title=Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo – world's greatest players locked in new battle \|date=10 April 2013 \|access-date=13 October 2014 \|work=The Independent \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028195727/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/lionel-messi-v-cristiano-ronaldo--worlds-greatest-players-locked-in-new-battle-8567328.html \|archive-date=28 October 2014 }}</ref> Beyond their playing styles, the debate also revolves around their differing physiques – Ronaldo is {{height\|m=1.87}} with a muscular build, compared to Messi's smaller size – and contrasting public personalities with Ronaldo's self-confidence and theatrics a foil to Messi's humility.<ref>Various sources:
			* {{Cite news \|first=Rob \|last=Hughes \|title=Ronaldo May Look Like the Best, but There Is Someone Better \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=13 September 2011 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/sports/soccer/14iht-soccer14.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1 \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=1 October 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001165502/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/sports/soccer/14iht-soccer14.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1 \|url-status=live}}
			* {{cite web \|first1=Pedro \|last1=Pinto \|first2=James \|last2=Montague \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/17/sport/football/football-champions-league-ronaldo-interview/ \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm Better than Messi \|publisher=CNN \|date=29 May 2012 \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=6 October 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006125456/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/17/sport/football/football-champions-league-ronaldo-interview/ \|url-status=live}}
			* {{Cite news \|first=Tim \|last=Lewis \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo: He's Got a God-Given Talent – and He Knows It \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=24 November 2013 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/nov/24/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-portugal-football \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=6 October 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006163656/http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/nov/24/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-portugal-football \|url-status=live}}</ref> Regarding individual achievements, Messi has won eight Ballons d'Or to Ronaldo's five,<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Ballons d'Or winners list \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/12/07/ballon-dor-winners-list/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/12/07/ballon-dor-winners-list/ \|archive-date=10 January 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|work=The Telegraph \|date=2 April 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> eight ] awards to Ronaldo's five, and six ]s to Ronaldo's four.<ref>{{cite web \|first1=Sorin \|last1=Arotaritei \|first2=Roberto \|last2=Di Maggio \|first3=Karel \|last3=Stokkermans \|title=Golden Boot (Soulier d'Or) Awards \|website=] \|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/gboot.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=1 June 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601072653/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/gboot.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> Off the pitch, Ronaldo is his direct competitor in terms of salary, sponsorships, and social media fanbase.<ref name="50million">{{cite web \|first=Kurt \|last=Badenhausen \|title=Lionel Messi Reaches $50 Million-A-Year Deal With Barcelona \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2014/05/16/lionel-messi-agrees-to-new-50-million-a-year-deal-with-barcelona/ \|work=Forbes \|date=16 May 2014 \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=6 October 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006091338/http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2014/05/16/lionel-messi-agrees-to-new-50-million-a-year-deal-with-barcelona/ \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			Messi's ] against teams that feature Ronaldo consists of 15 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses in competitive club matches, 1 win and 1 loss in international friendlies, and 1 win in a club friendly. The first competitive matchup between the two occurred in 2008, when Ronaldo's ] were drawn to play Messi's Barcelona in the ], where Ronaldo and Manchester United would eventually advance 1–0 on aggregate, and go on to win the ].<ref>{{cite news \|last=Rutledge \|first=Lewis \|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/102148/report \|title=Scholes seals final spot \|date=29 April 2008 \|access-date=30 September 2014 \|work=Sky Sports \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006083710/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/102148/report \|archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref> The two players and their teams would meet again in the next year's Champions League, this time in ], with Messi and Barcelona emerging as the victors after a 2–0 result.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Lowe \|first=Sid \|authorlink=Sid Lowe \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37583118/messi-ronaldos-most-memorable-clashes-champions-league-el-clasico \|title=Messi and Ronaldo's most memorable clashes: From the Champions League to El Clasico \|date=17 January 2023 \|access-date=9 June 2023 \|work=ESPN \|archive-date=28 October 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028173107/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37583118/messi-ronaldos-most-memorable-clashes-champions-league-el-clasico \|url-status=live }}</ref> After this, Ronaldo would transfer to ], the main rivals of Barcelona, and from 2009–10 to 2017–18, Messi faced Ronaldo at least twice every season in '']'', which ranks among the world's most viewed annual sports events.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Taylor \|first1=Daniel \|authorlink1=Daniel Taylor (journalist)\|last2=Jackson \|first2=Jamie \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jun/11/cristiano-ronaldo-manchester-united-real-madrid1 \|title=Manchester United accept £80m Cristiano Ronaldo bid from Real Madrid \|date=11 June 2009 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=The Guardian \|archive-date=23 November 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123043733/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jun/11/cristiano-ronaldo-manchester-united-real-madrid1 \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="50million" /> Ronaldo's would then transfer to ] in the summer of 2018; their final matchup in a competitive match would occur during a ] ], where Ronaldo's two goals from the penalty spot helped Juventus to a 3–0 victory against Messi's Barcelona.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/585770 \|title=Ronaldo brace, McKennie volley power Juventus past Messi's Barcelona \|date=8 December 2020 \|website=ESPN \|access-date=2 March 2023 \|archive-date=2 March 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302191214/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/585770 \|url-status=live }}</ref> After Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus, Messi stated: "I miss Cristiano. Although it was a bit difficult to see him win trophies, he gave ] prestige."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/messi-i-miss-having-ronaldo-in-la-liga/16zbvevnd45i1e9rq6b7gom0r \|date=29 March 2019 \|publisher=] \|title=Messi: I miss having Ronaldo in La Liga \|access-date=25 June 2024 \|archive-date=25 June 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625174440/https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/messi-i-miss-having-ronaldo-in-la-liga/16zbvevnd45i1e9rq6b7gom0r \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	Messi finished his club season with only one trophy, the ], as Barcelona finished as runners-up in ], behind Atletico Madrid, who had also eliminated them in the quarter-finals of the ] that season. Barcelona were also defeated in the ] by rivals Real Madrid, although Messi was the top scorer in the competition. Messi concluded the season with 41 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, but his 28 league goals in La Liga were not enough for him to defend the Pichichi trophy, which went to Cristiano Ronaldo, who managed 31 goals.<ref>. Marc's. Retrieved 22 May 2014</ref> On 16 May 2014, Messi agreed a new contract with the ''Catalan'' club.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Agreement with Leo Messi \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/agreement-with-leo-messi \|work=FC Barcelona \|date=16 May 2014}}</ref>

			Following Messi leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, a number of football critics, commentators, and players have opined that Messi settled the debate between the two players.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Sharland \|first=Pete \|date=18 December 2022 \|title=World Cup 2022 Final: Win Or Lose, Argentina Star Lionel Messi Has Settled The Goat Debate Forever \|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2022/world-cup-2022-final-win-or-lose-argentina-star-lionel-messi-has-settled-the-goat-debate-forever_sto9275487/story.shtml \|access-date=19 January 2023 \|website=Eurosport \|archive-date=22 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222185828/https://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2022/world-cup-2022-final-win-or-lose-argentina-star-lionel-messi-has-settled-the-goat-debate-forever_sto9275487/story.shtml \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Usry \|first=Rob \|date=18 December 2022 \|title=Lionel Messi puts the GOAT debate to rest with storybook World Cup win \|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2022/12/18/23515312/lionel-messi-world-cup-who-is-soccer-football-goat-argentina \|access-date=20 December 2022 \|website=SBNation.com \|archive-date=21 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220741/https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2022/12/18/23515312/lionel-messi-world-cup-who-is-soccer-football-goat-argentina \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	===2014–15 season===
	] in October 2014.]]
	Messi opened the ] for Barcelona by scoring twice in a 3–0 win over ].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi scores double as a 10-man Barcelona open La Liga season with comfy win\|url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/messi-scores-double-as-barcelona-open-la-liga-season-with-comfy-win-over-elche-082414\|accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref> In the following match against ], he set up ] match-winning goal, although he suffered an injury to an abductor muscle in his right hip.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Liga, Villarreal-Barcellona 0-1: Il Barca va, Messi si ferma\|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Liga/31-08-2014/liga-villarreal-barcellona-0-1-gol-sandro-ramirez-ora-real-sociedad-real-madrid-90315395543.shtml\|accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref> On 27 September, Messi scored his 400th professional career goal, aged just 27, in a 6–0 home win over ]; he later added a second, and also provided two assists during the match.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Liga, Barcellona-Granada 6-0: tripletta di Neymar, Messi 401 gol in carriera\|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Liga/27-09-2014/liga-barcellona-granada-6-0-tripletta-neymar-messi-401-gol-carriera-90580077801.shtml\|accessdate=27 September 2014}}</ref> In a post-match news conference he was lauded by his coach ], who stated: "It's like Messi was touched by a magic wand."<ref name="Messi 400">. BBC. Retrieved 29 September 2014</ref>

			=== Comparisons with Diego Maradona ===
	On 18 October, Messi scored his 250th La Liga goal in a 3–0 home win over ], also assisting another goal. This goal took him to one strike from equalling ]'s all-time record of 251 ] goals.<ref>{{cite web\|title=AdTech Ad Primera Division: Messi hits 250-goal mark as Barcelona see off Eibar\|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/326112/report\|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref> Messi had previously celebrated the 10th anniversary of his club debut that week, on 16 October.<ref>{{cite web\|title=The best quotes about Lionel Messi's 10 years at Barcelona\|url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/2089807/the-best-quotes-about-lionel-messis-10-years-at-barcelona\|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref> On 5 November, he scored both goals in Barcelona's 2–0 victory over ], enabling his team to advance to the knock-out stage of the ] with two group games remaining. These goals increased Messi's tally to 71 goals in the competition, equalling ] ].<ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi matches goal record as Barcelona advance
			{{Main\|New Maradona}}
	\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000548/match=2014358/postmatch/report/index.html\|accessdate=5 November 2014\|publisher=UEFA\|date=5 November 2014\|first=Derek\|last=Brookman}}</ref> Messi scored a hat-trick in a 5–1 win over ] on 22 November to become the ] with 253 goals, breaking the record of 251 held by ] since 1955.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Barcelona 5-1 Sevilla\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30126430\|accessdate=22 November 2014\|work=BBC Sport\|date=22 November 2014}}</ref> Three days later, he scored another hat-trick in a 4–0 win over ] to become the outright top scorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League with 74 goals.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Apoel Nic 0-4 Barcelona\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29363780\|accessdate=25 November 2014\|work=BBC Sport\|date=25 November 2014}}</ref>
			{{quote box\|width=25%\|align=left\|quote="I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentinian football and his name is Messi."\|source=– ] hailing the 18-year-old Messi as his ] in February 2006.<ref name="successor">{{Cite news \|title=Maradona Hails Messi as Successor \|work=BBC Sport \|date=24 February 2006 \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4746070.stm \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=1 October 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001190650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4746070.stm \|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
			Throughout his career, Messi has been compared with his compatriot ], who was also considered the best player of his generation and one of greatest in the history of the sport.<ref name="adept">{{Cite news \|first=Jeré \|last=Longman \|title=Adept? Yes. Adored? Not Yet. \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=12 July 2014 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/sports/worldcup/world-cup-2014-in-argentina-lionel-messi-is-not-loved-as-much-as-diego-maradona.html \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=15 July 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715030203/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/sports/worldcup/world-cup-2014-in-argentina-lionel-messi-is-not-loved-as-much-as-diego-maradona.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no1-diego-maradona \|title=FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.1, Diego Maradona \|magazine=] \|last=Murray \|first=Andrew \|date=26 September 2017 \|access-date=29 September 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135411/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no1-diego-maradona \|archive-date=29 September 2017 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> This was due to their short statures, their similar playing styles as diminutive, left-footed ]s, and the fact that they both came from Argentina.<ref name="Daily">{{cite news \|title=Maradona proclaims Messi as his successor \|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-02/25/content_523966.htm \|agency=Reuters \|newspaper=China Daily \|date=25 February 2006 \|access-date=28 December 2012 \|quote="I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi," Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning captain was quoted as saying on Friday. \|archive-date=7 April 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407203458/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-02/25/content_523966.htm \|url-status=live }}</ref> Initially, Messi was merely one of many young Argentine players to receive the "]" moniker, but as his career progressed, Messi proved his similarity beyond all previous contenders, establishing himself as the best player Argentina had produced since Maradona.<ref name="Aimar" />{{sfn\|Lisi\|2011\|pp=533–539}} Even when Messi was 18 years old, Maradona called him the best player in the world and hailed him as his successor.<ref name="successor"/> Messi and Maradona would work together as player and manager for Argentina's ] from 2008 through the ], the latter thoroughly impressed with the former's skills.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Goal hero Messi spares a thought for Maradona \|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=423095&cc=3888 \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124150451/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=423095&cc=3888 \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=24 January 2013 \|agency=Reuters \|work=ESPN \|date=19 April 2007 \|accessdate=28 December 2012 \|quote=Barcelona-based daily Sport said 'Messi Superstar' on its front page while the Marca led with 'Messidona.'}}</ref> It was during this period that Messi was given Argentina's number 10 shirt that Maradona famously wore. Maradona gave Messi his blessing, telling him: "the No 10 is yours. There's nobody better than you to wear it."<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/>

			] by pundits and his countrymen.]]
	On 7 December 2014, Messi scored his third consecutive hat-trick in Barcelona's 5–1 home win over local rivals ], which allowed him to surpass ] as the top goalscorer in the ], with 12 goals.<ref name="marca.com">{{cite web\|title=Messi se apunta al 'hat-trick': tres en los últimos cuatro partidos\|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/12/07/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1417976576.html\|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> On 11 January 2015, Barcelona's "holy trinity" of Messi, ] and ] scored in a 3–1 home win over defending La Liga champions ]. Messi's goal enabled him to end his goal drought against the Madrid club; he also set up Suárez's goal during the match.<ref>. Daily Mail. Retrieved 12 January 2015</ref> On 12 January 2015, Messi placed second in the ], behind Cristiano Ronaldo, for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Ballon d’Or: Cristiano Ronaldo can inspire Lionel Messi to win again, says Graham Hunter\|url=http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/revista-de-la-liga/news/9642998/ballon-d8217or-cristiano-ronaldo-can-inspire-lionel-messi-to-win-again-says-graham-hunter\|accessdate=12 January 2015}}</ref>
			During the early and middle parts of his career, Messi was generally held in lesser esteem than Maradona in Argentine society. Part of this had to do with Messi's lack of tournament success and perceived uneven output with the national team during this period – Maradona had famously led Argentina to victory in the ] with a dominant overall performance, which set expectations for Messi to do the same.<ref name="laughable"/><ref name="adept"/><ref name="Burden" /> Also unlike Maradona, Messi never played in the ], therefore depriving his countrymen a chance to watch him develop and prove himself, and through no fault of his own would do this overseas in ] instead.<ref name="Here" /><ref name="Burden" /> Argentines also identified more with the fiery and controversial Maradona who came from the slums, character traits that they felt aligned with their national values, as opposed to the reserved and unassuming Messi who had a comparable unremarkable upbringing in Rosario.<ref name="Lea"/><ref name="Burden">{{cite news \|first=Jeff \|last=Himmelman \|title=The Burden of Being Messi \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=5 June 2014 \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/magazine/the-burden-of-being-messi.html \|access-date=11 August 2015 \|archive-date=3 April 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403064416/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/magazine/the-burden-of-being-messi.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|first=Marcela \|last=Mora y Araujo \|title=Lionel Messi Is Not the New Maradona – He Can Be Better than That \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=23 December 2009 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/dec/23/lionel-messi-diego-maradona-argentina-barcelona \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=19 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119233541/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/dec/23/lionel-messi-diego-maradona-argentina-barcelona \|url-status=live}}</ref> Several pundits, footballing figures, and Maradona himself would point to this temperament to question Messi's leadership capabilities for the national team.<ref name="laughable"/><ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46279184 \|title=Lionel Messi: Is Barcelona forward really cut out for captaincy? \|work=BBC Sport \|first=Andy \|last=West \|date=22 November 2018 \|access-date=1 May 2019 \|archive-date=26 May 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526082244/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46279184 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/argentina/story/2889220/diego-maradona-says-lionel-messi-lacks-leadership-to-carry-a-team?src=com \|title=Diego Maradona: Lionel Messi lacks the leadership needed to carry a team \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=9 June 2016 \|access-date=1 May 2019 \|archive-date=1 May 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501160742/http://www.espn.com/soccer/argentina/story/2889220/diego-maradona-says-lionel-messi-lacks-leadership-to-carry-a-team%3Fsrc%3Dcom \|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, Messi's lack of outward passion for the ''Albiceleste'' shirt, early tendency not to sing the national anthem, and disinclination to emotional displays have in the past led to the false perception that he felt more Catalan rather than truly Argentine.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=414–420}}<ref name="Vickery" /> However, despite having lived in Barcelona since age 13, Messi rejected the option of representing ] internationally, saying: "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."<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Lionel Messi Vomits Because of Nerves, Says Argentina's Alejandro Sabella \|newspaper=The Guardian \|date=10 June 2014 \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/10/lionel-messi-vomits-argentina-alejandro-sabella-world-cup \|access-date=17 August 2015 \|archive-date=25 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125222532/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/10/lionel-messi-vomits-argentina-alejandro-sabella-world-cup \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			].]]
	On 8 February, Messi scored a goal and made his 104th and 105th La Liga assists in a 2–5 away win over ], equalling the record held by ] for the most assists made in La Liga history.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona as they moved within a point of La Liga leaders Real Madrid after winning a breathless encounter at Athletic Bilbao\|url=http://bbc.com/sport/football/31142854\|publisher=BBC.com\|date=8 February 2015}}</ref> In the next League game, on 15 February, his 300th La Liga appearance, he scored a hat-trick and made his 106th La Liga assist in a 5–0 home win over ], surpassing Figo as the player with most assists in La Liga;<ref name="most la liga assists">{{cite news\|title=LIONEL MESSI BREAKS DOUBLE LA LIGA ASSIST RECORDS WITH A HATTRICK\|url=http://dailymail.com.ng/lionel-messi-breaks-double-la-liga-assist-records-with-a-hattrick/ \|publisher=DailyMail.com\|date=15 February 2015}}</ref>{{#tag:ref\|Assists statistics \|group=note}} he also drew level with Zarra for the most hat-tricks scored for a Spanish team in all competitions (31), and with Cristiano Ronaldo, for the most hat-tricks in La Liga (23).<ref name="spanish hat-tricks">{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi equals La Liga hat-trick record as Barcelona thrash Levante\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/15/match-report-barcelona-levante-lionel-messi-hat-trick\|publisher=TheGuardian.com\|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> On 8 March, Messi scored a 12-minute hat-trick, the fastest of his career, and also set up another goal in a 6–1 win over ] at the Camp Nou.<ref name="fastest messi hat trick">{{cite news\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2985005/Barcelona-6-1-Rayo-Vallecano-Lionel-Messi-second-half-hat-trick-Luis-Suarez-double-fuel-win-Barca-La-Liga.html\|title=Barcelona 6-1 Rayo Vallecano: Lionel Messi 12-minute hat-trick (his fastest ever) and Luis Suarez double fuel win to move Barca top of La Liga... as both teams have a man sent off in hectic game\|date=8 March 2015\|work=Daily Mail}}</ref> With this hat-trick, he equalled Ronaldo's 30 goals in the current season, and also surpassed the record of Zarra with the most hat-tricks for a Spanish club in all competitions, and surpassed Ronaldo's record with the most hat-tricks in La Liga.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo to set hat trick record\|url=http://www.espnfc.us/barcelona/story/2337476/lionel-messi-surpasses-cristiano-ronaldo-to-set-new-liga-hat-trick-record\|website=http://www.espnfc.us\|publisher=ESPN FC\|accessdate=8 March 2015\|date=8 March 2015}}</ref> On 18 April, Messi scored his 400th goal for Barcelona in a 2–0 home win over Valencia in La Liga, also setting up Suárez's opening goal.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi nets 400th goal as Barcelona beat Valencia to extend lead\|url=http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/story/2393956/lionel-messi-scores-400th-goal-for-barcelona-in-all-competitions\|website=http://www.espnfc.com\|publisher=ESPN FC\|accessdate=18 April 2015\|date=18 April 2015}}</ref> On 6 May, Messi scored twice and assisted another as Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 3–0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Camp Nou; this was his 77th goal in his 100th appearance, overtaking ] as the ] all-time top scorer in the process.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi puts in magical display as Barcelona beat Bayern Munich\|url=http://www.espnfc.com/uefa-champions-league/match/419900/barcelona-bayern-munich/report\|publisher=ESPN FC\|accessdate=6 May 2015\|date=6 May 2015}}</ref> On 17 May 2015, Messi scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, which allowed Barcelona to clinch the La Liga title.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Kieran \|last=Canning \|title=Messi leads Barca's road from crisis club to champions \|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/messi-leads-barcas-road-crisis-club-champions-204905659--sow.html \|publisher=Yahoo Sports \|date=17 May 2015 \|accessdate=18 May 2015 }}</ref>
			Football journalist ] stated the perception of Messi among Argentines changed in 2019, with Messi making a conscious effort to become "more one of the group, more Argentine".<ref name="Vickery">{{Cite news \|title=Tim Vickery: Lionel Messi can now be recognised alongside Diego Maradona by Argentinians \|url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12771189/tim-vickery-lionel-messi-can-now-be-recognised-alongside-diego-maradona-by-argentinians \|access-date=20 December 2022 \|work=Sky Sports \|archive-date=19 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219124557/https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12771189/tim-vickery-lionel-messi-can-now-be-recognised-alongside-diego-maradona-by-argentinians \|url-status=live}}</ref> Other pundits noted that Messi had grown more assertive as a leader during the ] by becoming more vocal with his teammates both on and off the pitch, finally singing the national anthem with the team before matches, and speaking with journalists at length after matches, the latter of which he rarely did for Barcelona.<ref>Various sources:
			* {{Cite news \|title=Messi concludes his most influential year for Argentina \|work=Marca \|date=19 November 2019 \|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/11/19/5dd40e8546163fb5478b45ec.html \|access-date=28 September 2024 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=1 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001171253/https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/11/19/5dd40e8546163fb5478b45ec.html }}
			* {{Cite news \|first=Tim \|last=Vickery \|title=Argentina exit the Copa America early but they've won something better: Messi is fired up again \|work=] \|date=3 July 2019 \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37509915/messi-engagement \|access-date=28 September 2024 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=1 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001171252/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37509915/messi-engagement }}
			* {{Cite news \|title=The New Messi: A protester and a leader \|newspaper=LA Times \|date=7 July 2019 \|url=https://www.latimes.com/espanol/noticas-mas/articulo/2019-07-07/efe-4017829-15585528-20190707 \|access-date=1 October 2024 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=1 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001172637/https://www.latimes.com/espanol/noticas-mas/articulo/2019-07-07/efe-4017829-15585528-20190707}}</ref> Following the 2022 World Cup win for Messi and Argentina, Vickery felt that Messi would now be held in the same esteem by his compatriots as Maradona.<ref name="Vickery" /> Former footballer turned journalist ] said he saw a "Maradonian" edge to Messi's performances during the tournament, while compatriot ] mentioned that Messi's provoking actions against the ] during the ] were "more of a Maradona reaction," further endearing Messi to his countrymen.<ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|last=Horncastle \|first=James \|date=19 July 2023 \|title=Messi vs Argentina: How the 'Catalan Argentine' escaped the shadow of Maradona \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4647037/2023/07/20/lionel-messi-argentina-maradona-legacy-world-cup/ \|work=] \|accessdate=7 October 2024 \|archive-date=19 June 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619165415/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4647037/2023/07/20/lionel-messi-argentina-maradona-legacy-world-cup/ \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ArdilesMessi">{{Cite news \|first=Ben \|last=Morse \|title=Lionel Messi cements his legacy as the greatest with World Cup win \|work=CNN \|date=18 December 2022 \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/18/football/lionel-messi-argentina-legacy-world-cup-final-spt-intl/index.html \|access-date=28 September 2024 \|url-status=live \|archive-date=1 October 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001171247/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/18/football/lionel-messi-argentina-legacy-world-cup-final-spt-intl/index.html }}</ref> Messi himself later remarked that the World Cup victory "won over all the people of Argentina. Today 95% or 100% of Argentines love me and that's a beautiful feeling."<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39008596/messi-world-cup-win-struggles-argentina-fans-love-me \|title=Messi on World Cup win: After struggles in Argentina, fans love me \|date=1 December 2023 \|website=ESPN \|access-date=7 October 2024 \|archive-date=18 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718184721/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39008596/messi-world-cup-win-struggles-argentina-fans-love-me \|url-status=live }}</ref>

			== In popular culture ==
	==International career==
			=== Popularity ===
	Often referred to as an Argentine-Spanish player, this crossover was brought into sharp focus when in 2004, Messi was offered the chance to play for the ]. He declined the offer given his Argentine heritage, and was given the opportunity to play for Argentina's U-20 team in a ] against ] in June 2004.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Lionel Messi Biography \|url=http://www.lionelmessi.com/biography/ \|publisher=Lionelmessi.com \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080802154715/http://lionelmessi.com/biography/ \|archivedate=2 August 2008 }}</ref> Messi scored once against Paraguay and twice in friendly against ] the following month.<ref name="sub20amistosos">. El Mundo Deportivo, 1 July 2004; . El Mundo Deportivo, 4 July 2004</ref> In 2005 he was part of a team that finished third in the ] in Colombia. He won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands with the team and received both the ] and the Golden Shoe,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=104/edition=9102/index.html\|title=FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005\|publisher=FIFA\|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> having scored in the last four of Argentina's matches and netting a total of six for the tournament.
			]
			Messi was among the ], an annual list of the world's most influential people, in 2011, 2012 and 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine \|first=Thierry \|last=Henry \|title=The 2011 Time 100: Lionel Messi, God of the Field \|magazine=Time \|date=21 April 2011 \|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066498,00.html \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=17 April 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417164323/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066498,00.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine \|first=Mia \|last=Hamm \|title=The World's 100 Most Influential People 2012: Lionel Messi \|magazine=Time \|date=18 April 2012 \|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112092,00.html \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=2 February 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202010654/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112092,00.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last1=Federer \|first1=Roger \|title=The 100 Most Influential People of 2023: Lionel Messi \|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269893/lionel-messi/ \|access-date=22 April 2023 \|magazine=Time \|date=13 April 2023 \|archive-date=22 April 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422015245/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269893/lionel-messi/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a 2014 survey in 15 international markets, Messi was familiar to 87% of respondents around the world, of whom 78% perceived him favourably, making him the second-most recognised player globally, behind Ronaldo, and the most likable of all contemporary players.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Chris \|last=Borg \|title=Ballon D'Or: Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo – Battle of the Brands \|publisher=CNN \|date=2 December 2014 \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/01/sport/football/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-barcelona-real-madrid-ballon-dor-marketing-merchandise-facebook/ \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=29 January 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129232450/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/01/sport/football/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-barcelona-real-madrid-ballon-dor-marketing-merchandise-facebook/ \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release \|title=Top 10 Most Marketable Footballers in the World \|publisher=Repucom \|date=28 May 2014 \|url=http://repucom.net/wp-content/uploads/Top-10-Most-Marketable-Football-Players.pdf \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630024625/http://repucom.net/wp-content/uploads/Top-10-Most-Marketable-Football-Players.pdf \|archive-date=30 June 2014 \|url-status=live}}</ref> ] selected "The Final Game", a photo of Messi facing the ] after Argentina's final defeat to Germany, as the best sports image of 2014.<ref>{{cite web \|title=World Cup final photo of Lionel Messi eyeing trophy wins prize \|work=ESPN \|date=12 February 2015 \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/league-name/story/2295953/headline \|access-date=11 August 2021 \|archive-date=11 August 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811182214/https://www.espn.com/soccer/league-name/story/2295953/headline \|url-status=live}}</ref> On his economic impact on the city in which he plays, ] called him a "tourist attraction".<ref>{{cite news \|title=Gibson: Messi is a tourist attraction \|url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12377402/gibson-messi-is-a-tourist-attraction \|access-date=10 August 2021 \|agency=Sky Sports \|archive-date=10 August 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810122423/https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12377402/gibson-messi-is-a-tourist-attraction \|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2023, a set of shirts Messi had worn during the 2022 World Cup was sold at auction for 7.8 million dollars.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Roush \|first1=Ty \|title=Lionel Messi's World Cup Jerseys Sell For $7.8 Million At Auction — Falling Short Of Two Most Valuable Jerseys Of All Time \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/12/14/lionel-messis-world-cup-jerseys-sell-for-78-million-at-auction---falling-short-of-two-most-valuable-jerseys-of-all-time/ \|access-date=16 December 2023 \|work=Forbes \|date=14 December 2023}}</ref>

			His fanbase on ] is among the largest of public figures: within seven hours of its launch in April 2011, Messi's Facebook page had nearly seven million followers, and by July 2023 he had ], the second highest for a sportsperson after Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi Joins Facebook, Nets 7 m Followers \|publisher=ESPN \|date=6 April 2011 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/903705/lionel-messi-joins-facebook-nets-7m-followers \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140146/http://www.espnfc.com/story/903705/lionel-messi-joins-facebook-nets-7m-followers \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Karissa \|last=Giuliano \|title=The 10 Most Popular Celebrities on Facebook \|publisher=CNBC \|date=9 June 2015 \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/09/the-10-most-popular-celebrities-on-facebook.html \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=3 August 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803071710/https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/09/the-10-most-popular-celebrities-on-facebook.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> He has over 500 million ] followers, the ] and sportsperson after Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Lionel Messi Sets Instagram Record With World Cup Victory Post \|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-sets-instagram-record-200520111.html \|access-date=20 December 2022 \|work=Yahoo Sports \|archive-date=20 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220145226/https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-sets-instagram-record-200520111.html \|url-status=dead}}</ref> His World Cup celebration post from 18 December 2022 is the ] with over 75 million likes.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Madhok \|first=Diksha \|title=Lionel Messi's World Cup photos are most-liked Instagram post ever \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/21/business/messi-most-liked-instagram-post-intl-hnk/index.html \|date=21 December 2022 \|access-date=23 December 2022 \|website=CNN \|archive-date=15 July 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715083718/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/21/business/messi-most-liked-instagram-post-intl-hnk/index.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	At age 18, Messi made his full international debut on 17 August 2005 against ]. He was substituted on during the 63rd minute, but was ] on the 65th minute because the referee, ], claimed that Messi had allegedly elbowed defender ], who was tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Diego Maradona even claimed the decision was pre-meditated. Messi was later reportedly found weeping in the changing rooms after the decision.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_football/4172400.stm\|title=Messi handles 'new Maradona' tag \|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=22 August 2005 \|accessdate=7 July 2009\|last=Vickery \|first=Tim}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://english.people.com.cn/200508/20/eng20050820_203655.html\|title=Argentine striker Messi recalled for World Cup qualifier\|work=People's Daily\|date=20 August 2005 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 1–0 ] away defeat to ]. Ahead of the match he had said, "This is a re-debut. The first one was a bit short."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=178848&cc=5739\|title=Messi tries again as Argentina face Paraguay\|publisher=ESPN Soccernet\|date=2 September 2005 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> He then started his first game for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against ], in which he was able to win a crucial penalty for Argentina to win the match; after the match national coach ] described Messi as "a jewel".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2005/oct/10messi.htm\|title=Messi is a jewel says Argentina coach\|publisher=Rediff\|date=10 October 2005 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|last=Homewood\|first=Brian}}</ref> He scored his first goal for Argentina in a friendly match against ] on 1 March 2006.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel MESSI enters Argentina Top 10\|url=http://www.mundoalbiceleste.com/Article.aspx?id=2649\|accessdate=16 June 2012}}</ref>

			On 20 March 2023, during a return to Buenos Aires following his World Cup victory, Messi was mobbed by hundreds of adoring fans when he and his family were out to dinner. When news spread where Messi and his family were, the restaurant was soon surrounded by locals hoping to get a glimpse of their World Cup-winning captain. Police assistance would be needed to get Messi back to his car in the early hours of the morning.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Garcia \|first=Adriana \|date=21 March 2023 \|title=Lionel Messi mobbed after adoring Argentina fans lay siege outside Buenos Aires restaurant \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37637346/lionel-messi-mobbed-adoring-argentina-fans-lay-siege-buenos-aires-restaurant \|access-date=15 October 2024 \|website=ESPN}}</ref> In April 2023, Messi was featured in the 200 year old ] festival in ], India.<ref>{{cite news \|last=PTI \|date=1 May 2023 \|title=Kerala's iconic Thrissur Pooram held in full grandeur featuring Lionel Messi during 'Kudamattam \|work=The Hindu \|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/iconic-thrissur-pooram-held-in-full-grandeur-messi-featured-during-kudamattam/article66799414.ece \|access-date=3 May 2023 \|issn=0971-751X \|archive-date=3 May 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503092256/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/iconic-thrissur-pooram-held-in-full-grandeur-messi-featured-during-kudamattam/article66799414.ece \|url-status=live}}</ref> During the festival, umbrellas carrying the illuminated cut outs of Messi holding the World Cup trophy were displayed on the top of caparisoned elephants during the Kudamattam ceremony.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2 May 2023 \|title=Lionel Messi steals the show at Kerala's Iconic Thrissur Pooram \|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-steals-the-show-at-keralas-iconic-thrissur-pooram-article-99922391 \|access-date=3 May 2023 \|website=TimesNow \|archive-date=3 May 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503161127/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-steals-the-show-at-keralas-iconic-thrissur-pooram-article-99922391 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2006 World Cup===
	An injury that kept Messi from playing for two months at the end of the 2005–06 season jeopardised his presence in the ]. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for the tournament on 15 May 2006. He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and a friendly match against ] from the 64th minute.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/argentina/5047440.stm\|title=Messi comes of age\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=5 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|last=Vickery \|first=Tim }}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/argentina/5023884.stm\|title=Argentina allay fears over Messi\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=30 May 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref>
	He witnessed Argentina's opening match victory against ] from the substitutes' bench.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.kicker.de/fussball/wm/startseite/artikel/350938\|title=Messi weiter auf der Bank\|publisher=Kicker.de\|date=13 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|language=German}}</ref>

			During an ] on 4 February 2024 in which ] faced off against the ] players at ], Messi would remain on the bench the entire game, causing massive backlash in Hong Kong and China as a result.<ref>{{cite news \|author1=鄭惟仁 \|title=梅西香港友誼賽全程坐板凳球迷噓聲高喊退票 \|url=https://news.pts.org.tw/article/679778 \|accessdate=5 February 2024 \|work=公視新聞網 \|date=5 February 2024 \|archive-date=5 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205055928/https://news.pts.org.tw/article/679778 \|url-status=live }}</ref> A Messi commercial was taken off air in those regions,<ref name=":10">{{cite news \|date=15 February 2024 \|title=美斯遭央視連環封殺《天下足球》片頭及天氣預報廣告畫面被刪 \|trans-title=CCTV's sports programme removes Messi's scenes \|url=https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/991017/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%81%AD%E5%A4%AE%E8%A6%96%E9%80%A3%E7%92%B0%E5%B0%81%E6%AE%BA-%E5%A4%A9%E4%B8%8B%E8%B6%B3%E7%90%83-%E7%89%87%E9%A0%AD%E5%8F%8A%E5%A4%A9%E6%B0%A3%E9%A0%90%E5%A0%B1%E5%BB%A3%E5%91%8A%E7%95%AB%E9%9D%A2%E8%A2%AB%E5%88%AA?utm_source=web_push&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=all \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215130206/https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/991017/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%81%AD%E5%A4%AE%E8%A6%96%E9%80%A3%E7%92%B0%E5%B0%81%E6%AE%BA-%E5%A4%A9%E4%B8%8B%E8%B6%B3%E7%90%83-%E7%89%87%E9%A0%AD%E5%8F%8A%E5%A4%A9%E6%B0%A3%E9%A0%90%E5%A0%B1%E5%BB%A3%E5%91%8A%E7%95%AB%E9%9D%A2%E8%A2%AB%E5%88%AA \|archive-date=15 February 2024 \|accessdate=15 February 2024 \|work=HK01 \|language=zh-HK}}</ref> while others remained despite pressure from Chinese social-media users.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=許祺安 \|date=10 February 2024 \|title=美斯得罪了中國？2023年訪華旋風到今官媒狠批 14億市場凍過水？ \|trans-title=Messi no longer welcomed in China? \|url=https://www.hk01.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E8%A7%80%E5%AF%9F/989951/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E5%BE%97%E7%BD%AA%E4%BA%86%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B-2023%E5%B9%B4%E8%A8%AA%E8%8F%AF%E6%97%8B%E9%A2%A8%E5%88%B0%E4%BB%8A%E5%AE%98%E5%AA%92%E7%8B%A0%E6%89%B9-14%E5%84%84%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E5%87%8D%E9%81%8E%E6%B0%B4 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214153151/https://www.hk01.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E8%A7%80%E5%AF%9F/989951/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E5%BE%97%E7%BD%AA%E4%BA%86%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B-2023%E5%B9%B4%E8%A8%AA%E8%8F%AF%E6%97%8B%E9%A2%A8%E5%88%B0%E4%BB%8A%E5%AE%98%E5%AA%92%E7%8B%A0%E6%89%B9-14%E5%84%84%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E5%87%8D%E9%81%8E%E6%B0%B4 \|archive-date=14 February 2024 \|access-date=14 February 2024 \|website=HK01 \|language=zh-HK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=9 February 2024 \|title=美斯風波︱內地掀抵制潮官媒籲冷靜弄清楚合同細節 \|trans-title=Boycott Messi on Chinese trend; state-run media urge for calm \|url=https://www.stheadline.com/realtime-china/3315776/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%A2%A8%E6%B3%A2%E5%85%A7%E5%9C%B0%E6%8E%80%E6%8A%B5%E5%88%B6%E6%BD%AE-%E5%AE%98%E5%AA%92%E7%B1%B2%E5%86%B7%E9%9D%9C%E5%BC%84%E6%B8%85%E6%A5%9A%E5%90%88%E5%90%8C%E7%B4%B0%E7%AF%80 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214153103/https://www.stheadline.com/realtime-china/3315776/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%A2%A8%E6%B3%A2%E5%85%A7%E5%9C%B0%E6%8E%80%E6%8A%B5%E5%88%B6%E6%BD%AE-%E5%AE%98%E5%AA%92%E7%B1%B2%E5%86%B7%E9%9D%9C%E5%BC%84%E6%B8%85%E6%A5%9A%E5%90%88%E5%90%8C%E7%B4%B0%E7%AF%80 \|archive-date=14 February 2024 \|access-date=14 February 2024 \|website=Sing Tao Daily \|language=zh-HK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last= \|title=當初高調找梅西代言…大陸這家快遞公司慘掃颱風尾遭陸網遷怒抵制 \|trans-title=Chinese company boycotted over Messi ad \|url=https://udn.com/news/story/7332/7765880 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214153235/https://udn.com/news/story/7332/7765880 \|archive-date=14 February 2024 \|access-date=14 February 2024 \|website=UDN \|language=zh-TW}}</ref> Furthermore, the ] temporarily halted its partnership with the ] over the incident on 8 February.<ref>{{cite news \|title=中国足协停止与阿根廷足协合作，梅西3月中国行面临泡汤 \|website=羊城晚报 \|url=https://sports.ycwb.com/2024-02/08/content_52493682.htm \|archive-date=5 March 2024 \|access-date=14 November 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305010202/https://sports.ycwb.com/2024-02/08/content_52493682.htm \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	In the next match against ], Messi became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for ] in the 74th minute.<ref>. UEFA.com. Retrieved 27 June 2014</ref><ref name="Serbia"/> He assisted ]'s goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final goal in the 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history of the ].<ref name="Serbia">{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853028.stm\|title=Argentina 6–0 Serbia & Montenegro\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=16 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> Messi started in Argentina's following 0–0 draw against the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853328.stm\|title=Holland 0–0 Argentina\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=21 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref>
	In the following ], Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was ruled ] with Argentina needing a late goal in ] to proceed.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/worldcup06/2006/06/26/rodriguez_finds_an_answer_but.html\|title=Rodríguez finds an answer but many questions still remain\|work=The Guardian \|location=UK \|date=26 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|last=Walker \|first=Michael }}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991492.stm\|title=Argentina 2–1 Mexico (aet)\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=24 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009}}</ref> José Pekerman left Messi on the bench during the quarter-final match against ], which they lost 4–2 on a ].<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991602.stm \|title=Germany 1–1 Argentina \|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=30 June 2006 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 }}</ref>

			=== Wealth and sponsorships ===
	===2007 Copa América===
			Messi was the world's highest-paid footballer for five years out of six between 2009 and 2014; he was the first player to exceed the €40 million benchmark, with earnings of €41 million in 2013, and the €50–€60 million points, with income of €65 million in 2014.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Roberto \|last=Notarianni \|title=Messi, la (Très) Bonne Paie \|trans-title=Messi, the (Very) Good Payroll \|magazine=France Football \|date=25 March 2015 \|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/Messi-la-tres-bonne-paie/545838 \|access-date=10 August 2015 \|archive-date=25 October 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025022721/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Messi-la-tres-bonne-paie/545838 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Jamie \|last=Rainbow \|title=Stat of the Day: Top 20 Best Paid Players and Coaches \|work=World Soccer \|date=18 March 2014 \|url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/news/stat-day-top-20-best-paid-players-coaches-350260 \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=2 February 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202210754/https://www.worldsoccer.com/news/stat-day-top-20-best-paid-players-coaches-350260 \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi was second on '']'' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, after ], with income of $81 million from salary and endorsements in 2015–16.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo first footballer to top Forbes rich list of highest-earning athletes \|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10307782/cristiano-ronaldo-first-footballer-to-top-forbes-rich-list-of-highest-earning-athletes \|publisher=Sky Sports \|date=8 June 2016 \|first=Ben \|last=Reynolds \|access-date=9 June 2016 \|archive-date=10 June 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610125422/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10307782/cristiano-ronaldo-first-footballer-to-top-forbes-rich-list-of-highest-earning-athletes \|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018 he was the first player to exceed the €100m benchmark for a calendar year, with earnings of €126m ($154m) in combined income from salaries, bonuses and endorsements.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Lionel-messi-devance-largement-cristiano-ronaldo-au-classement-des-joueurs-les-mieux-payes-au-monde/895372 \|title="Lionel Messi devance largement Cristiano Ronaldo au classement des joueurs les mieux payés au monde" \|access-date=3 June 2018 \|archive-date=20 November 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120075640/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Lionel-messi-devance-largement-cristiano-ronaldo-au-classement-des-joueurs-les-mieux-payes-au-monde/895372 \|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Forbes'' ranked him the ] in 2019.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Lionel Messi edges out Cristiano Ronaldo to head Forbes top 100 highest paid athletes \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/48602166 \|access-date=12 June 2019 \|work=BBC Sport \|archive-date=8 November 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108013901/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/48602166 \|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2008, he was Barcelona's highest-paid player, receiving a salary that increased incrementally from €7.8 million to €13 million over the next five years.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|p=472}}<ref>{{cite news \|first=Keyvan Antonio \|last=Heydari \|title=Messi: Amazing Talent in a Reluctant Star \|newspaper=The New York Times \|date=26 May 2009 \|url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/messi-amazing-talent-in-a-reluctant-star/?_r=0 \|access-date=24 July 2015 \|archive-date=23 December 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223043122/https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/messi-amazing-talent-in-a-reluctant-star/?_r=0 \|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|p=556}} Signing a new contract in 2017, he earned $667,000 per week in wages, and Barcelona paid him $60 million as a signing on bonus.<ref name="Forbes2017">{{Cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2017/11/25/lionel-messi-signs-new-barcelona-contract-set-to-become-worlds-highest-paid-footballer/ \|title="Lionel Messi Signs New Barcelona Contract, Set To Become World's Highest-Paid Footballer" \|website=] \|access-date=17 December 2017 \|archive-date=31 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131144425/https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2017/11/25/lionel-messi-signs-new-barcelona-contract-set-to-become-worlds-highest-paid-footballer/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> His buyout clause was set at $835 million (€700 million).<ref name="Forbes2017" /> In 2020, Messi became the second footballer, as well as the second athlete in a team sport, after Ronaldo, to surpass $1 billion in earnings during their careers.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2020/09/14/the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-players-2020-messi-wins-mbappe-rises/#7601f0671cff \|title=World's Highest-Paid Soccer Players: Messi Wins, Mbappe Rises \|work=Forbes \|access-date=22 September 2020 \|archive-date=27 September 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927010615/https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2020/09/14/the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-players-2020-messi-wins-mbappe-rises/#7601f0671cff \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Messi played his first game in the ] on 29 June 2007, when ] defeated ] 4–1 in the first game. In this game, he showed his capabilities as a ]. He set up a goal for fellow striker Hernán Crespo and had numerous shots on target. ] came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scored minutes later.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6252156.stm\|title=Tevez Nets In Argentina Victory\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=29 June 2007 \|accessdate=11 October 2008}}</ref>

			]
	] during the ] on 8 July 2007]]
			In addition to salary and bonuses, much of Messi's income derives from endorsements; '']'' has consequently cited him as one of the world's most marketable athletes every year since their research began in 2010.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Michael \|last=Long \|title=The World's 50 Most Marketable 2015 \|work=SportsPro \|date=20 May 2015 \|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/most_marketable \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=10 June 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610032555/http://www.sportspromedia.com/most_marketable \|url-status=dead}}</ref> His main sponsor since 2006 is ]. As Barcelona's leading youth prospect, he was signed with ] since age 14, but transferred to Adidas after they successfully challenged their rival's claim to his image rights in court.{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=94–97}} Messi established himself as their leading brand endorser;<ref name="50million" /> from 2008, he had a long-running signature collection of Adidas F50 boots, and in 2015, became the first footballer to receive his own sub-brand of Adidas boots, the Adidas Messi.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Retrospect: Adidas F50 Messi Collection \|publisher=Soccer Bible \|date=18 March 2015 \|url=http://www.soccerbible.com/performance/football-boots/2015/03/retrospect-adidas-f50-messi-collection/ \|access-date=11 December 2015 \|archive-date=16 October 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016202850/https://www.soccerbible.com/performance/football-boots/2015/03/retrospect-adidas-f50-messi-collection/ \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release \|title=Backed by Messi \|publisher=Adidas \|date=25 September 2015 \|url=http://news.adidas.com/GB/Latest-News/Backed-by-Messi/s/1aafb738-30fe-4810-a7e4-6b808c0e6353 \|access-date=11 December 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143641/http://news.adidas.com/GB/Latest-News/Backed-by-Messi/s/1aafb738-30fe-4810-a7e4-6b808c0e6353 \|archive-date=22 December 2015 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 2017, he has worn the latest version of the ].<ref>{{cite news \|title=adidas Football Launches Nemeziz 17+ 360 Agility \|url=https://www.soccerbible.com/performance/football-boots/2017/05/adidas-football-launches-nemeziz/ \|access-date=12 July 2019 \|work=Soccer Bible \|archive-date=16 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116044234/https://www.soccerbible.com/performance/football-boots/2017/05/adidas-football-launches-nemeziz/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, a Barcelona jersey with Messi's name and number was the best-selling replica jersey worldwide.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Leo Messi's Barcelona Shirt Is the Most Sold Worldwide, Cristiano Ronaldo 2nd \|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2609501-leo-messis-barcelona-shirt-is-the-most-sold-worldwide-cristiano-ronaldo-2nd \|access-date=4 January 2019 \|work=Bleacher Report \|archive-date=6 June 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606142534/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2609501-leo-messis-barcelona-shirt-is-the-most-sold-worldwide-cristiano-ronaldo-2nd \|url-status=live}}</ref> At the 2022 World Cup, Adidas sold out Messi's No. 10 Argentina jersey worldwide.<ref name="Arg sales" />
	His second game was against ], in which he won a penalty that Crespo converted to tie the game at 1–1. He also played a part in Argentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box, which allowed ] to score from a free kick, and increase Argentina's lead to 3–1. The final score of the game was 4–2 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in the tournament's quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6263888.stm\|title=Argentina into last eight of Copa \|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=3 July 2007 \|accessdate=11 October 2008}}</ref>

			], Messi often ] by pointing a finger on each hand towards ] in dedication to his late grandmother.<ref name="Dedication">{{cite news \|last=Matchett \|first=Karl \|title=The Story Behind Lionel Messi's 5 Most Iconic Barcelona Celebrations \|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2705366-the-story-behind-lionel-messis-5-most-iconic-barcelona-celebrations \|work=Bleacher Report \|date=25 April 2017 \|access-date=18 December 2017 \|archive-date=8 February 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208120724/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2705366-the-story-behind-lionel-messis-5-most-iconic-barcelona-celebrations \|url-status=live}}</ref> His goal celebration features in the ].]]
	In the third game, against ] the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarter-finals. He came off the bench in place of ] in the 64th minute, with the score at 0–0. In the 79th minute, he assisted a goal for ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.conmebol.com/competiciones_evento_reporte.jsp?evento=1055&ano=2007&dv=1&flt=C&id=18&slangab=E\|title=Argentina-Paraguay\|publisher=Conmebol\|date=5 July 2007 \|accessdate=28 May 2009 \|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070929133942/http://www.conmebol.com/competiciones_evento_reporte.jsp?evento=1055&ano=2007&dv=1&flt=C&id=18&slangab=E \|archivedate=29 September 2007}}</ref> In the quarter-finals, as Argentina faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of the game, from a Riquelme pass in a 4–0 win.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6282908.stm\|title=Argentina and Mexico reach semis\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=9 July 2007 \|accessdate=11 October 2008}}</ref> During the semi-final match against ], Messi scored a lob over ] to see Argentina through to the final with a 3–0 win.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6294930.stm\|title=Messi's Magic Goal\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=12 July 2007 \|accessdate=11 October 2008}}</ref> Argentina went on to lose 3–0 to ] in ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6899694.stm\|title=Brazil victorious in Copa America\|publisher=BBC Sport \|date=16 July 2007 \|accessdate=28 May 2009}}</ref> Messi was elected young player of the tournament.<ref name="livesoccertv.com">{{cite web\|title=Player Profile: Lionel Messi – Player to Watch\|url=http://www.livesoccertv.com/news/3856/copa-america-2011-lionel-messi-profile-player-to-watch/\|accessdate=3 June 2012}}</ref>
			As a commercial entity, Messi's brand has been based exclusively on his talents and achievements as a player, in contrast to arguably more glamorous players like Ronaldo and ]. At the start of his career, he thus mainly held sponsorship contracts with companies that employ sports-oriented marketing, such as Adidas, Pepsi, and ].<ref name="Fourth">{{cite web \|title=The World's Fourth Most Marketable Athlete – Lionel Messi \|work=SportsPro \|date=27 May 2011 \|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and_insights/the_worlds_4th_most_marketable_athlete_-_lionel_messi \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=17 May 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517142514/http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and_insights/the_worlds_4th_most_marketable_athlete_-_lionel_messi \|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Kurt \|last=Badenhausen \|title=Lionel Messi Voted Soccer's Best, But Sponsors Stay Away \|work=Forbes \|date=10 January 2011 \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2011/01/10/lionel-messi-voted-soccers-best-but-sponsors-stay-away/ \|access-date=11 December 2015 \|archive-date=30 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130015401/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2011/01/10/lionel-messi-voted-soccers-best-but-sponsors-stay-away/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2010, concurrently with increased achievements as a player, his marketing appeal widened, leading to long-term endorsement deals with luxury brands ] and ].<ref name="Fourth" /><ref>{{cite press release \|title=Lionel Messi and Dolce & Gabbana: An Assist in Style \|publisher=Dolce & Gabbana \|url=http://www.dolcegabbana.com/binaries/content/assets/DG/leo-messi/press-release/dolce-and-gabbana-leo-messi-press-release-eng.pdf \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827002248/http://www.dolcegabbana.com/binaries/content/assets/DG/leo-messi/press-release/dolce-and-gabbana-leo-messi-press-release-eng.pdf \|archive-date=27 August 2017 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Messi is a global brand ambassador for ], ], ], and ], among other companies.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Oliver \|last=Millerchip \|title=Messi to Front New Gillette Campaign \|work=SportsPro \|date=3 February 2014 \|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/messi_to_front_new_gillette_campaign \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=10 February 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210072634/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/messi_to_front_new_gillette_campaign \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release \|title=Argentine Soccer Star Leo Messi Named Global Brand Ambassador for Turkish Airlines \|work=Reuters \|date=6 December 2012 \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/idUS192613+06-Dec-2012+BW20121206 \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924172433/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/idUS192613+06-Dec-2012+BW20121206 \|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Ian \|last=McPherson \|title=Messi Cashes in with Qatari Contract \|work=SportsPro \|date=28 February 2013 \|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/messi_cashes_in_with_qatari_contract \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120222/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/messi_cashes_in_with_qatari_contract \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Lionel Messi Is Global Brand Ambassador for Tata Motors \|work=Firstpost \|date=3 November 2015 \|url=http://www.firstpost.com/business/tata-motors-ropes-in-lionel-messi-as-global-brand-ambassador-2492172.htmlv \|access-date=18 November 2015 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015131146/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/the-best-sports-photo-of-the-year-goes-to---lionel-messi-and--the-final-game--183718601.html \|archive-date=15 October 2015}}</ref> Messi was the face of Konami's video game series '']'', appearing on the covers of '']'', ''],'' '']'' and '']''. He subsequently signed with rival company ] to become the face of their series '']'' and appeared on consecutive covers from '']'' to '']''.{{sfn\|Guinness World Records\|2014\|p=102}}<ref>{{cite magazine \|title=Lionel Messi to Star on Cover of EA Sports FIFA for Fourth Straight Year \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|date=15 June 2015 \|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/06/15/lionel-messi-fifa-16-cover \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=30 December 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230051843/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/06/15/lionel-messi-fifa-16-cover \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			In 2013, a Turkish Airlines advertisement starring Messi, in which he engages in a ] competition with ], was the most-watched ad on ] in 2013, receiving 137 million views, and was voted the best advertisement of the 2005–15 decade to commemorate YouTube's founding.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Kaitlyn \|last=Krasselt \|title=Cannes to Cannes: YouTube's Most Viewed Ads \|work=USA Today \|date=21 June 2014 \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/06/21/cannes-youtube-top-ads/10891397/ \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=29 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129201018/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/06/21/cannes-youtube-top-ads/10891397/ \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine \|first=Laura \|last=Lorenzetti \|title=YouTube Users Say This Is the 'Ad of the Decade' \|magazine=Time \|date=3 June 2015 \|url=https://time.com/3908087/youtube-ad-of-the-decade/ \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=20 July 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720195139/http://time.com/3908087/youtube-ad-of-the-decade/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2021, Messi signed a five-year deal to become an ambassador for the ] brand. He stated, "sports and music are an integral part of my life. It is an honor to be the first athlete to partner with a brand who has a history of teaming with music legends."<ref> {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521113021/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hard-rock-international-begins-year-long-50th-anniversary-celebration-by-announcing-partnership-with-lionel-messi-301310207.html \|date=21 May 2023 }}. PR Newswire. Retrieved 11 June 2021</ref>
	===2008 Summer Olympics===
	] in the semi-finals of the ] on 19 August 2008]]
	Having barred Messi from playing for Argentina in the ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2510034/Lionel-Messi-out-of-Olympics-after-Barcelona-win-court-appeal-against-Fifa.html\|title=Lionel Messi out of Olympics after Barcelona win court appeal against Fifa\|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=6 August 2008 \|accessdate=27 May 2009 }}</ref> Barcelona agreed to release him after he held talks with newly appointed coach Pep Guardiola.<ref name="Messi Olympics">{{cite news\|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hBwBdQawHH84xSfUkq2uo3w1nwvA\|title=Barcelona give Messi Olympics thumbs-up\|agency=Agence France-Presse \|date=7 August 2008 \|accessdate=27 May 2009}}{{dead link\|date=July 2014}}</ref> He joined the Argentina squad and scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over ].<ref name="Messi Olympics"/> He then scored the opening goal and assisted ] in the second to help his side to a 2–1 extra-time win against the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/matches/round=250022/match=300051809/summary.html\|title=Messi sets up Brazil semi\|publisher=FIFA\|date=16 August 2008 \|accessdate=27 May 2009\|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090412024404/http://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/matches/round=250022/match=300051809/summary.html <!--Added by H3llBot-->\|archivedate=12 April 2009}}</ref> He also featured in Argentina's match against rivals ], in which Argentina took a 3–0 victory, thus advancing to the final. In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di María for the only goal in a 1–0 victory over ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-08-23-860591452_x.htm\|title=Argentina beats Nigeria 1–0 for Olympic gold\|last=Millward \|first=Robert \|work=USA Today \|date=23 August 2008 \|accessdate=27 May 2009}}</ref>

			In May 2022, Messi was unveiled as ] ambassador. Due to ]'s poor human rights record, Messi was condemned for the role which was viewed as an attempt of Saudi ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/12/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-deal-tourism \|title=Lionel Messi earned $122m last year. He still felt the need to take Saudi money \|access-date=12 May 2022 \|website=The Guardian \|first=Karim \|last=Zidan \|date=12 May 2022 \|archive-date=12 May 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512143419/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/12/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-deal-tourism \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8dk/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-tourism-ambassador-sportswashing \|title=Messi Is Accused of Being the Face of a Blood-Soaked Regime \|access-date=20 June 2022 \|website=VICE \|first=Rimal \|last=Farukh \|date=20 June 2022 \|archive-date=20 June 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620130330/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8dk/lionel-messi-saudi-arabia-tourism-ambassador-sportswashing \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2010 World Cup qualification===
	On 28 March 2009, in a ] against ], Messi wore the number 10 jersey for the first time with Argentina. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the Argentina manager. Argentina won the match 4–0 with Messi opening the scoring.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=230046&cc=5739\|title=Argentina 4–0 Venezuela: Messi the star turn\|date=28 March 2009 \|accessdate=7 July 2009 \|publisher=Allaboutfcbarcelona.com}}</ref> Overall, Messi scored four goals in 18 appearances during the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/preliminaries/southamerica/topscorers/index.html\|title=2010 FIFA World Cup top-scorers in preliminaies\|work=]\|publisher=fifa.com\|accessdate=1 July 2013}}</ref>

	===~~2010~~ ~~World~~ ~~Cup~~===		=== Philanthropy ===
			Throughout his career, Messi has been involved in charitable efforts aimed at vulnerable children, a commitment that stems in part from the medical difficulties he faced in his own childhood. Since 2004, he has contributed his time and finances to the ] (UNICEF), an organisation with which Barcelona also have a strong association.<ref name="Leo Messi: Goodwill Ambassador">{{Cite web \|title=Leo Messi: Goodwill Ambassador \|publisher=UNICEF \|date=25 May 2012 \|url=http://www.unicef.org/people/people_52964.html \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=4 March 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002825/http://www.unicef.org/people/people_52964.html \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|first1=Iain \|last1=Rogers \|first2=Justin \|last2=Palmer \|title=Barcelona Extend UNICEF Shirt Deal to 2016 \|work=Reuters \|date=12 November 2013 \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-spain-barcelona-unicef-idUSBRE9AB0NZ20131112 \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 November 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124194912/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/12/us-soccer-spain-barcelona-unicef-idUSBRE9AB0NZ20131112}}</ref> Messi has served as a ] since his appointment in March 2010, completing his first field mission for the organisation four months later as he travelled to Haiti to bring public awareness to the plight of the country's children in the wake of the ]. He has since participated in UNICEF campaigns targeting ], education, and the social inclusion of disabled children.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=14 May 2015 \|title=Leo Messi Activity Highlights \|url=http://www.unicef.org/people/people_52965.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907144838/https://www.unicef.org/people/people_52965.html\|archive-date=7 September 2018\|access-date=30 July 2021 \|publisher=UNICEF}}</ref> To celebrate his son's first birthday, in November 2013, Messi and Thiago were part of a publicity campaign to raise awareness of mortality rates among disadvantaged children.<ref>{{cite press release \|title=Leo Messi's Son Turns One and Celebrates with UNICEF \|publisher=UNICEF \|date=28 October 2013 \|url=http://www.unicef.org/media/media_70751.html\|access-date=30 July 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810091152/https://www.unicef.org/media/media_70751.html\|archive-date=10 August 2014}}</ref>
	] in the quarter-finals of the ].]]
	In the ], Messi wore the number 10 shirt for the first time in a major tournament. He played the entire game on Argentina's opening match of the tournament, the 1–0 victory against ]. He had several opportunities to score but was repeatedly denied by Nigerian goalkeeper ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7814324/Argentina-1-Nigeria-0-match-report.html\|title=Argentina 1 Nigeria 0: match report\|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=12 June 2010 \|accessdate=12 June 2010 \|first=Ian \|last=Chadband}}</ref> who was named ] by FIFA.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/12/argentina-nigeria-world-cup-group-b\|title=World Cup 2010: Gabriel Heinze gives Argentina the perfect start\|date=12 June 2010\|accessdate=8 August 2013\|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Messi started in Argentina's following 4–1 win against ]; he played in more of an attacking midfielder and playmaking role under Maradona,<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web\|title=Argentina vs. S. Korea, 2010 World Cup – Formations\|url=http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/24/79/59/20%5f0617%5farg-kor%5ftacticalstartlist.pdf\|accessdate=3 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="3 June 2012">{{cite web\|title=Argentina vs. Korea: 4–1 – World Cup 2010\|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/world-cup/argentina-korea-republic-361819.html}}</ref> and participated in all of the goals of his team, helping ] score a hat-trick.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7830449/Argentina-4-South-Korea-1-match-report.html\|title=Argentina 4 South Korea 1: match report\|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=17 June 2010 \|accessdate=17 June 2010 \|first=Ian \|last=Chadband}}</ref> In the ], Messi was named ] for Argentina in a 2–0 win over ]. He was again the centrepoint of Argentina's play, playing an important role in both of his team's goals,<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/22/world-cup-2010-greece-argentina\|title=World Cup 2010: Argentina's two late goals send Greece packing\|date=22 June 2010\|accessdate=8 August 2013\|work=The Guardian}}</ref> and was voted man of the match.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7842201/Greece-0-Argentina-2-match-report.html\|title=Greece 0 Argentina 2: match report\|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=22 June 2010 \|accessdate=22 June 2010 \|first=Rory \|last=Smith}}</ref>

			] since 2010.]]
	At the ] he assisted a controversial goal to ] for the first goal in a 3–1 win against ]. The World Cup ended for Argentina with a 4–0 loss against ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7868494/Argentina-0-Germany-4-match-report.html\|title=Argentina 0 Germany 4: match report\|work=The Daily Telegraph \|location=UK \|date=3 July 2010 \|accessdate=3 July 2010 \|first=Duncan \|last=White}}</ref>

			In addition to his work with UNICEF, Messi founded his own charitable organisation, the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to health care, education, and sport for children.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Messi Fast Facts \|publisher=CNN \|date=25 June 2015 \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/08/world/europe/lionel-messi-fast-facts/ \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=9 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109181514/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/08/world/europe/lionel-messi-fast-facts/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> It was established in 2007 following a visit Messi paid to a hospital for terminally ill children in ], an experience that resonated with him to the point that he decided to reinvest part of his earnings into society.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=576–577}} Through his foundation, Messi has awarded research grants, financed medical training, and invested in the development of medical centres and projects in Argentina, Spain, and elsewhere in the world.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=576–577}}<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Ooredoo, Messi Foundation Continue Expansion: Three New Mobile Health Clinics Launched in Algeria \|newspaper=Arab Times \|date=3 August 2015 \|url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/ooredoo-messi-foundation-continue-expansion/ \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=23 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923174559/http://www.arabtimesonline.com/ooredoo-messi-foundation-continue-expansion/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to his own fundraising activities, such as his global "Messi and Friends" football matches, his foundation receives financial support from various companies to which he has assigned his name in endorsement agreements, with Adidas as their main sponsor.<ref>{{Cite web \|title='Lionel Messi and Friends' Soccer Tour Is One of Many Causes Argentine Superstar Supports \|publisher=New England Sports Network \|date=22 June 2012 \|url=http://nesn.com/2012/06/lionel-messi-and-friends-soccer-tour-is-one-of-many-causes-argentine-superstar-supports/ \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=11 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111100702/https://nesn.com/2012/06/lionel-messi-and-friends-soccer-tour-is-one-of-many-causes-argentine-superstar-supports/ \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Partners \|publisher=Leo Messi Foundation \|url=http://www.fundacionleomessi.org/nuestros-partners/ \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=18 March 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318214259/http://www.fundacionleomessi.org/nuestros-partners/ \|url-status=dead}}</ref> A gold replica of his left foot, weighing {{convert\|25\|kg\|lb\|abbr=on}} and valued at $5.3 million, went on sale in Japan in 2013 to raise funds for victims of the ].<ref>{{cite web \|title=Messi's Left Foot – Yours for $5.25 Million \|publisher=CNN \|date=6 March 2013 \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/06/sport/football/football-leo-messi-golden-foot/ \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=15 September 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915085802/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/06/sport/football/football-leo-messi-golden-foot/ \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Messi was nominated in ten player shortlist for ] award by FIFA Technical Study Group. The group identified Messi with the following words: "Outstanding in his pace and creativity for his team, dribbling, shooting, passing – spectacular and efficient".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/news/newsid=1270753/index.html\|title=adidas Golden Ball nominees announced\|publisher=FIFA\|date=9 July 2010\|accessdate=4 September 2011}}</ref>

			Messi has also invested in youth football in Argentina: he financially supports Sarmiento, a football club based in the Rosario neighbourhood where he was born, committing in 2013 to the refurbishment of their facilities and the installation of all-weather pitches, and funds the management of several youth players at Newell's Old Boys and rival club ], as well as at ] and ] in Buenos Aires.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=576–577}} At Newell's Old Boys, his boyhood club, he funded the 2012 construction of a new gymnasium and a dormitory inside the club's ] for their youth academy. His former youth coach at Newell's, Ernesto Vecchio, is employed by the Leo Messi Foundation as a talent scout for young players.<ref name="Here" /> On 7 June 2016, Messi won a libel case against ] and was awarded €65,000 in damages, which he donated to the charity ].<ref>{{Cite news \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/story/2887818/argentinas-lionel-messi-wins-libel-case-and-donates-damages-to-charity \|title=Argentina's Lionel Messi wins libel case, donates damages to charity \|work=ESPN \|date=7 June 2016 \|access-date=1 September 2016 \|archive-date=18 August 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818095407/http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/story/2887818/argentinas-lionel-messi-wins-libel-case-and-donates-damages-to-charity \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi made a donation worth €1 million ($1.1 million) to fight the ].<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Messi, Guardiola donate $1.08 million each to coronavirus battle \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-soccer-spain/messi-guardiola-donate-1-08-million-each-to-coronavirus-battle-idUSKBN21B3HV \|work=Reuters \|date=25 March 2020 \|access-date=25 March 2020 \|archive-date=7 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107173426/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-soccer-spain/messi-guardiola-donate-1-08-million-each-to-coronavirus-battle-idUSKBN21B3HV \|url-status=live}}</ref> This was split between Clinic Barcelona in Barcelona and his native Argentina.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.wfsb.com/cristiano-ronaldo-and-lionel-messi-donate-to-hospitals-in-fight-against-coronavirus/article_1c669479-5ee2-5bb5-8ebd-77b9af3f36e2.html \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi donate to hospitals in fight against coronavirus \|first=Matias \|last=Grez \|work=WFSB\|access-date=8 April 2020\|archive-date=8 April 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408025857/https://www.wfsb.com/cristiano-ronaldo-and-lionel-messi-donate-to-hospitals-in-fight-against-coronavirus/article_1c669479-5ee2-5bb5-8ebd-77b9af3f36e2.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition to this, Messi along with his fellow FC Barcelona teammates announced he would be taking a 70% cut in salaries during the 2020 coronavirus emergency, and contribute further to the club to provide fully to salaries of all the clubs employees.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2020/03/30/lionel-messis-coronavirus-wage-cut-could-cost-him-50-million/ \|title=Lionel Messi's Coronavirus Wage Cut Could Cost Him $50 Million \|first=Christina \|last=Settimi \|work=Forbes \|access-date=8 April 2020 \|archive-date=20 June 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620003356/https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2020/03/30/lionel-messis-coronavirus-wage-cut-could-cost-him-50-million/ \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===2011 Copa América===
	] for the ball during an international friendly between ] and Argentina on 29 February 2012]]
	On 17 November 2010, Messi scored a ] against South American rivals Brazil after an individual effort to help his team to a 1–0 win in the friendly match, which was held in ]. This was the first time that he had scored against Brazil at senior level.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.lionel-messi.co.uk/news/magic-messi-leads-argentina-over-brazil.html\|title=Magic Messi leads Argentina over Brazil\|date=17 November 2010 \|accessdate=19 November 2010 \|publisher=lionel-messi.co.uk}}</ref> Messi scored another last-minute goal on 9 February 2011 against ] from a ] which gave his side a 2–1 victory in the friendly match, which was held in ], ]. He had also previously assisted the first goal.

			In November 2016, with the ] being run by a FIFA committee for emergency due to an economic crisis, it was reported that three of the national team's security staff told Messi that they had not received their salaries for six months. He stepped in and paid the salaries of the three members.<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Argentina federation to have affairs managed by emergency FIFA panel \|work=ESPN \|date=24 June 2016 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/fifa/243/post/2901179/argentina-federation-to-have-affairs-managed-by-emergency-fifa-panel \|access-date=19 November 2016 \|archive-date=19 November 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119121357/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/fifa/243/post/2901179/argentina-federation-to-have-affairs-managed-by-emergency-fifa-panel \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|title=Messi paid the salaries of Argentina's security team \|newspaper=Marca \|location=Spain \|date=18 November 2016 \|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2016/11/18/582f53b822601d46758b4610.html \|access-date=19 November 2016 \|archive-date=9 January 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109153942/https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2016/11/18/582f53b822601d46758b4610.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2021, Messi donated to the {{lang\|ca\|]\|italic=no}} his Adidas shoes which he wore when he scored his 644th goal for Barcelona and broke ]'s record for most goals scored for a single club; the shoes were later auctioned off in April by the museum for charity to help children with cancer and were sold for £125,000.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sport \|date=12 February 2021 \|title=Adidas and Messi donate boots to Art Museum to be auctioned in April \|url=https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/adidas-and-messi-donate-boots-to-art-museum-to-be-auctioned-in-april-11514617 \|access-date=13 February 2021 \|work=Sport \|archive-date=12 February 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212114929/https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/adidas-and-messi-donate-boots-to-art-museum-to-be-auctioned-in-april-11514617 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Messi took part in the ] in Argentina, where he failed to score a goal but made three assists, finishing as the joint top assist provider of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web\|title=2011 Copa América Statistics: Player Goal Assists\|url=http://www.statbunker.com/competitions/MostAssists?comp_id=355\|accessdate=12 September 2013}}</ref> He was selected as man of the match in the group matches against ] (1–1) and ] (3–0). Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals in a ] against the eventual winners of the Copa América, Uruguay (1–1 ]), with Messi scoring as the first penalty taker.<ref name="Copa">. DailyMail. Retrieved 26 May 2014</ref> Messi had also previously assisted ] equaliser in the 17th minute.<ref name="Copa"/>

			In advance of the ], Messi donated three signed shirts to the Chinese pharmaceutical firm ]—whose directors spoke of their admiration for Messi—in order to secure 50,000 doses of Sinovac's ], ], in the hope of vaccinating all of South America's football players.<ref name="Vac" /> A deal brokered by Uruguay's president ], the plan to prioritise football players caused some controversy given widespread vaccine scarcity in the region, with the Mayor of ] ] 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".<ref name="Vac">{{Cite web \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/14/lionel-messi-helps-obtain-50000-covid-vaccines-for-south-american-players \|title=Lionel Messi helps obtain 50,000 Covid vaccines for South American players \|first=Goni \|last=Uki \|work=The Guardian \|date=14 April 2021\|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>
	===2014 World Cup qualification===
	After Argentina's unsuccessful performance in the Copa América, ] was replaced as Argentina coach with ]. In August 2011, Sabella named Messi as the new permanent captain of the Argentina national team.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/950982/alejandro-sabella-names-lionel-messi-as-argentina-captain\|title=Messi named Argentina captain\|date=30 August 2011\|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> Messi's first hat-trick for the ''Albiceleste'' came in a friendly match against ], on 29 February 2012, in a 3–1 win for Argentina.

			In January 2025, Messi was presented with the ], the highest civilian award of the United States, by President ] for his contributions in supporting healthcare and education programs for children around the world.<ref name="PMOF">{{cite web \|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/04/president-biden-announces-recipients-of-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-3/ \|title=President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom \|publisher=] \|date=4 January 2025 \|access-date=4 January 2025}}</ref> He would be unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, but sent a letter expressing his appreciation for the honor and his hopes of meeting President Biden at a later date.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Deen \|first=Safid \|title=Lionel Messi unable to attend Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. Here's why. \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2025/01/04/heres-why-messi-did-not-attend-presidential-medal-of-freedom-ceremony/77457448007/ \|website=] \|access-date=7 January 2025 \|date=4 January 2025 \|archive-date=6 January 2025 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106132734/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2025/01/04/heres-why-messi-did-not-attend-presidential-medal-of-freedom-ceremony/77457448007/ \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	On 9 June 2012, Messi scored his second international hat-trick in a friendly match against rivals Brazil, including the match winner. The match ended 4–3 to Argentina and Messi was voted man of the match.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Argentina vs. Brazil: 4–3\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/lionel-messi/9322483/Lionel-Messi-scores-hat-trick-as-Argentina-beat-Brazil-4-3-in-New-Jersey.html\|accessdate=10 June 2012 \|location=London\|work=The Daily Telegraph\|date=10 June 2012}}</ref> This brought his international goalscoring tally up to 26 goals in 70 matches, and brought his 2012 tally up to 7 goals in 3 matches. This was also his record-breaking 82nd goal of the season, including all club and international matches.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi's 2nd international hat trick leads Argentina over Brazil 4–3 in exhibition\|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/lionel-messis-2nd-international-hat-trick-leads-argentina-over-brazil-4-3-in-exhibition/2012/06/09/gJQA4hl5QV_story.html\|accessdate=10 June 2012 \|deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link\|date=August 2012\|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> These goals also made him the fourth-highest goalscorer for the Argentine national team.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi ends season with 82 goals\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-ends-season-with-82-goals\|accessdate=9 September 2012}}</ref>

			=== Public art ===
	On 7 September, Messi scored his 28th goal for Argentina in a 3–1 victory against Paraguay in a ], sending them to the top of the ] ] table. This was his fourth goal in the current World Cup qualifying campaign and his eighth overall in World Cup qualifying matches, making him the third-highest scorer for Argentina in World Cup qualifying matches. This was also his tenth goal for Argentina in the past six matches and his ninth in five matches played in 2012.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Argentina coach Sabella: Messi is happy\|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/argentina-coach-sabella-messi-happy-132000265--sow.html\|accessdate=9 September 2012}}</ref> After scoring twice against ] and once against Chile in October, Messi finished 2012 with 12 goals in nine appearances for Argentina.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/barcelonas-lionel-messi-becomes-most-decorated-player-in-history-after-winning-unprecedented-fourth-straight-ballon-dor-8441605.html\|title=Barcelona's Lionel Messi becomes most decorated player in history after winning unprecedented fourth straight Ballon d'Or\|date=7 January 2013\|publisher=The Independent\|location=London\|first=Majid\|last=Mohamed}}</ref>
			] displays depicting Messi.]]
			] and public ] depicting Messi are regularly painted around the world.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite news\|\|date=29 June 2016\|title=The massive Messi mural and other artworks around the world \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36666955\|access-date=5 October 2024\|work=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite news \|\|last=Cardenas \|first=Felipe \|date=
			14 February 2024 \|title=Meeting Messi: How the Argentine superstar changed the lives of a restaurateur, barber and muralist \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5274668/2024/02/14/lionel-messi-inter-miami-local-profiles/ \|work=The Athletic \|url-access=subscription \|accessdate=21 July 2023}}</ref> One prominent artwork that went viral is the '']'', a parody of ]'s '']'' that features both Messi and ], along with several other prominent Argentine footballers. The work is exhibited at the Sportivo Pereyra club from ] in ].<ref>{{cite news\|last=\|first=\|title=Argentina tiene una réplica futbolera de la Capilla Sixtina\|url=http://www.voydeviaje.com.ar/argentina/argentina-tiene-una-replica-futbolera-de-la-capilla-sixtina\|date=3 May 2018\|access-date=6 July 2020\|work=Voy de Viaje\|location=Córdoba, Argentina\|number=}}</ref>

			Several public sculptures with Messi's likeness have been erected. ] unveiled their first wax sculpture of Messi at ] in 2012.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Lionel Messi's Madame Tussauds Waxwork Unveiled At Wembley \|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/19/lionel-messis-madame-tussauds-waxwork-unveiled_n_1896126.html \|access-date=12 July 2023 \|work=Huffington Post \|archive-date=12 July 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712184457/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/19/lionel-messis-madame-tussauds-waxwork-unveiled_n_1896126.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> After the announcement of his first retirement from the international team in June 2016, a bronze statue of Messi was erected in ] days later in an attempt to convince him to return.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite news\|\|date=15 December 2021\|title=Messi statue unveiled in Argentina amid pleas for his return\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/59654046\|access-date=13 October 2024\|work=BBC}}</ref> A life-sized statue of Messi holding the World Cup trophy was unveiled outside the ] headquarters in ] in March 2023, a few months after Argentina's World Cup win. The statue would stand alongside those of ] and Diego Maradona.<ref>{{#invoke:cite web \|\|title=Messi statue to stand next to Maradona, Pele at CONMEBOL museum \|work=Reuters \|date=31 March 2023 \|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/messi-statue-stand-next-maradona-pele-conmebol-museum-2023-03-28/ \|access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref>
	On 22 March 2013, Messi scored his first international goal of 2013 from the penalty spot in a World Cup qualifier against ]. In the same match he provided two assists for Gonzalo Higuaín as Argentina won 3–0.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2044048/index.html\|title=Messi, Higuain power Argentina past Venezuela\|date=23 March 2013\|work=FIFA}}</ref> On 14 June 2013, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 friendly win against ], surpassing Diego Maradona's 34 goals on ] and matching Hernán Crespo for second with 35 goals.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jun/15/lionel-messi-hat-trick-overtakes-maradona\|title=Lionel Messi overtakes Maradona's Argentina tally with hat-trick\|date=15 June 2013\|accessdate=24 June 2013\|work=The Guardian\|location=London}}</ref> Messi surpassed Crespo's tally in the ] against Paraguay, scoring two goals from penalties as well as providing an assist for ]. The match finished 5–2 to Argentina, ensuring their qualification for the ] with two matches at hand. Messi ended the ] campaign as ] in the South American section with ten goals.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/statistics/topscorers.html\|title=Top scorers\|accessdate=16 October 2013\|work=FIFA}}</ref> On 7 June 2014, Messi scored in a 2–0 win against ] in a pre-World Cup friendly match, coming on as a substitute; this was his first goal for his national side in the year 2014.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Argentina 2–0 Slovenia: Lionel Messi scores to lay down marker ahead of World Cup \|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2651511/Argentina-2-0-Slovenia-Lionel-Messi-scores-lay-marker-ahead-World-Cup.html\|publisher=Daily Mail\|accessdate=8 June 2014}}</ref>

	===~~2014~~ ~~World~~ ~~Cup~~===		=== Media ===
			'']'', a documentary by filmmaker ], premiered at the ] in August 2014.<ref>{{cite web \|first=Andrew \|last=Barker \|title=Venice Film Review: 'Messi' \|work=Variety \|date=27 August 2014 \|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/venice-film-review-messi-1201292498/ \|access-date=22 August 2015 \|archive-date=14 December 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214204931/https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/venice-film-review-messi-1201292498/ \|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'', a biographical docuseries focusing on Messi's career, his highs and lows with the Argentina national football team, and fairytale ending of with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, aired on ] on 21 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=6 June 2023 \|title=Apple TV+ scores with documentary series featuring legendary football champion Lionel Messi and his FIFA World Cup career, culminating in his dramatic Qatar 2022 win \|url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2023/06/apple-tv-scores-with-documentary-series-featuring-legendary-football-champion-lionel-messi-and-his-fifa-world-cup-career-culminating-in-his-dramatic-qatar-2022-win/ \|access-date=21 February 2024 \|website=] \|archive-date=21 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221185342/https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2023/06/apple-tv-scores-with-documentary-series-featuring-legendary-football-champion-lionel-messi-and-his-fifa-world-cup-career-culminating-in-his-dramatic-qatar-2022-win/ \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	Messi captained Argentina in their first match of the ], leading them to a 2–1 win over ] on 15 June.<ref name="Bosnia">. BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 June 2014</ref> Argentina's opening goal came after three minutes when Messi's cross into the box from a free kick was met by Argentina defender ] whose header was deflected into the net by ].<ref name="Bosnia"/> In the 65th minute, Messi scored Argentina's second, going on a trademark dribbling run past three players, after a one-two exchange with ], before scoring from the edge of the penalty area via a slight deflection off ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/world-cup-2014-watch-messi-3702393\|title=World Cup 2014: Watch Messi score wonder goal for Argentina against Bosnia\|date=16 June 2014\|accessdate=16 June 2014\|work=Daily Mirror}}</ref> It was his first World Cup goal since scoring against ] on his World Cup debut in a 6–0 win in the ]. In the team's second game, Messi scored a stoppage time winner against ] with a strike from 25 yards out which curled into the left corner of the goal.<ref>. The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 June 2014</ref> This was Messi's 40th international goal, and the 1–0 win ensured Argentina qualified for the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285221\|title=Argentina 1–0 Iran\|date=21 June 2014\|accessdate=22 June 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/21/argentina-v-iran-world-cup-2014-live\|title=Argentina v Iran: World Cup 2014 – as it happened\|date=21 June 2014\|accessdate=22 June 2014\|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In the team's third group match on 25 June, Messi took his tally in the tournament to four goals, scoring twice in a 3–2 win against ], his second a free kick, as Argentina finished first in their group.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285406\|title=Nigeria 2–3 Argentina\|date=25 June 2014\|accessdate=26 June 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref> Messi was elected man of the match in all three of Argentina's group games.<ref>{{cite web\|title=2014 FIFA World Cup – Argentina vs. Bosnia: 2–1; Man of the Match: Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186466/man-of-the-match.html\|accessdate=27 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=2014 FIFA World Cup – Argentina vs. Iran: 1–0; Man of the Match: Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186466/man-of-the-match.html\|accessdate=27 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=2014 FIFA World Cup – Nigeria vs. Argentina: 2–3; Man of the Match: Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186458/man-of-the-match.html\|accessdate=27 June 2014}}</ref>

			=== Business ventures ===
	] for the ball at the ]]]
			On 4 June 2024, Messi announced the release of ], an American brand of ] and ]s.<ref name="SafidDeen2024">{{cite web \|last1=Deen \|first1=Safid \|title=Lionel Messi debuts new drink Mas+: How to get Messi's new drink online and in stores \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2024/06/04/mas-by-messi-how-to-buy-new-lionel-messi-drink-online-and-in-stores/73971194007/ \|website=] \|access-date=16 July 2024 \|date=4 June 2024}}</ref> Messi created the drink because he couldn't find a flavorful and healthy hydration option that suited his needs.<ref name="CNWYahoo">{{cite web \|title=The World's Greatest Soccer Star Lionel Messi Unveils His Next-Generation Hydration Drink to Canadians – Más+ by Messi – Created to Inspire Everyone to Feel Like a Champion in Every Part of Life \|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/worlds-greatest-soccer-star-lionel-120000539.html \|website=] \|publisher=CNW Group \|access-date=17 July 2024 \|date=17 July 2024}}</ref> The drink was teased to debut in ], Florida, on 13 June 2024. It was released in ] and ] stores and made available for delivery on ] in South Florida the following day.<ref name="SafidDeen2024" /> Más+ is affiliated with ] founder Mark Anthony.<ref name="JessicaBroadbent2024">{{cite web \|last1=Broadbent \|first1=Jessica \|title=Will Mas+ by Messi stand the test of time? \|url=https://www.just-drinks.com/explainer/will-mas-by-messi-stand-the-test-of-time/?cf-view \|website=JustDrinks.com \|access-date=16 July 2024 \|date=14 June 2024}}</ref>
	In Argentina's ] match against ], Messi assisted ]'s match winning goal in the 118th minute, giving Argentina a 1–0 win after ]. After receiving the ball from ], Messi began a dribbling run, taking it past ], and laying the ball off for Di María to score.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27990606\|title=Argentina 1–0 Switzerland\|date=1 July 2014\|accessdate=2 June 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref> Messi was once again elected man of the match.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Argentina vs. Switzerland: 1–0 – Man of the Match: Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255951/match=300186503/man-of-the-match.html\|accessdate=2 July 2014 }}</ref> In the ] match against ], Messi started the play which led to Higuaín's match winning goal, sending Argentina to the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since ].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Mondiale, Argentina-Belgio 1–0. Higuain scaccia il tabù quarti\|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Mondiali/05-07-2014/mondiale-argentina-belgio-1-0-higuain-scaccia-tabu-quarti-801143676780.shtml\|accessdate=13 July 2014}}</ref> Argentina eliminated the ], 4–2 on penalties in the ], after a 0–0 draw following extra time, allowing them to progress to the World Cup Final for the first time since Maradona had led them there in 1990. Messi was heavily marked by the Dutch and didn't score,<ref name="uk.eurosport.yahoo.com"></ref> but he netted Argentina's first penalty in the shootout.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Netherlands vs Argentina: 0–0 (2–4)\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28122293\|accessdate=13 July 2014}}</ref>

			Later that year, on 19 September 2024, Messi announced that he would be launching a production company called 525 Rosario, named after his hometown. Headquartered in Miami and Los Angeles, the company was created to produce film, sporting events and branded commercials for athletes worldwide. It would be a joint venture with Smuggler Entertainment, who co-produced ''Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend'' earlier in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web \|first=Lizzy \|last= Becherano \|title=Lionel Messi launches production company named 525 Rosario \|work=ESPN \|date=19 September 2024 \|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41328798/lionel-messi-launches-production-company-named-525-rosario }}</ref>
	] on 14 July after the 2014 FIFA World Cup]]
	On 11 July, Messi was named on the 10-man shortlist by the FIFA technical committee for FIFA's ] award for the tournament's best player.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28274011\|title=World Cup 2014: Fifa announces Golden Ball shortlist\|date=11 July 2014\|accessdate=12 July 2014\|work=BBC}}</ref> The ] on 13 July, in a repeat of the 1990 final, was billed as the world's best player versus the world's best team .<ref name="uk.eurosport.yahoo.com"/><ref>. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 15 July 2014</ref> In the 29th minute, Messi had started a play which led to a goal by Higuaín, which was correctly ruled offside. Messi missed several opportunities to open the scoring throughout the match, in particular during his breakaway at the 47th minute, when his effort was put just wide of the far post. The game remained scoreless until German substitute ] scored in the 113th minute, then in the last minutes of extra time Messi's free kick sailed over the net, and Germany won the game 1-0 to claim the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web\|title=LIONEL MESSI WATCH: Argentina's star left to rue missed chances as Germany strike late to claim World Cup 2014 crown \|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2690693/LIONEL-MESSI-WATCH-Argentinas-star-left-rue-missed-chances-Germany-strike-late-claim-World-Cup-2014-crown.html\|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

			== Personal life ==
	Messi finished as the joint-third-highest goalscorer of the tournament, with four goals and an assist, though ] received the ] due to the tie-breaking criteria of playing fewer minutes than Messi. Messi's goals against Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina were nominated for the goal of the tournament award, and were voted the ninth and eighth best goals of the tournament, respectively.<ref>{{cite web\|title=2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Goal of the Tournament\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/goal-of-the-tournament/\|website=www.fifa.com\|accessdate=17 July 2014}}</ref> Messi's four Man of the Match awards were the most of any player in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi Wins Golden Ball at 2014 World Cup\|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2126337-lionel-messi-wins-golden-ball-at-2014-world-cup\|accessdate=13 July 2014}}</ref>
			=== Family and relationships ===
			Since 2008, Messi has been in a relationship with ], who he eventually married on 30 June 2017 in their hometown of ].<ref>{{Cite news \|url=http://usahint.com/sports/lionel-messis-wife-absence-world-cup-759/ \|title=Lionel Messi's wife explains her absence at World Cup opener that left him broken hearted \|work=USAHint \|date=21 June 2018 \|access-date=21 June 2018 \|archive-date=1 July 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701061408/http://usahint.com/sports/lionel-messis-wife-absence-world-cup-759/ \|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.independent.ie/style/weddings/lionel-messi-marries-stunning-childhood-sweetheart-antonella-roccuzzo-in-argentine-home-town-35883938.html \|title=Lionel Messi marries stunning childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo in Argentine home town \|access-date=1 July 2017 \|newspaper=Irish Independent \|date=July 2017 \|archive-date=1 July 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701102939/http://www.independent.ie/style/weddings/lionel-messi-marries-stunning-childhood-sweetheart-antonella-roccuzzo-in-argentine-home-town-35883938.html \|url-status=live}}</ref> He has known Roccuzzo since he was five years old, as she is the cousin of his childhood best friend, ], who is also a football player.<ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-40454654 \|title=Argentina hosts Lionel Messi's 'wedding of the century' \|access-date=1 July 2017 \|work=BBC News \|archive-date=30 June 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630232429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-40454654 \|url-status=live}}</ref> After keeping their relationship private for a year, Messi first confirmed their romance in an interview in January 2009, before going public a month later during a carnival in ] after the ].<ref>{{Cite news \|first=Amy \|last=Francombe \|title=Antonela Roccuzzo — the first lady of Argentinean football \|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/antonella-roccuzzo-lionel-messi-wife-b1048246.html \|date=19 December 2022 \|access-date=19 January 2022 \|work=Evening Standard \|archive-date=19 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219183820/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/antonella-roccuzzo-lionel-messi-wife-b1048246.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons. To celebrate his partner's first pregnancy, Messi placed the ball under his shirt after scoring in Argentina's 4–0 win against Ecuador on 2 June 2012, before confirming the pregnancy in an interview two weeks later.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Messi Shares Baby Joy \|publisher=beIN Sports \|date=17 June 2012 \|url=http://www.beinsports.tv/news/title/messi-shares-baby-joy/article/3my803vek9sw1ky0beeucau3b}}{{dead link\|date=February 2024\|bot=medic}}</ref> Thiago was born in Barcelona on 2 November 2012.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Messi Junior Named Thiago \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=2 November 2012 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/1211817/messi-becomes-a-father-son-named-thiago \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134241/http://www.espnfc.com/story/1211817/messi-becomes-a-father-son-named-thiago \|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2015, Messi confirmed that they were expecting another child.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Messi's Wife Expecting Second Child, Barcelona Star Says \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=30 April 2015 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/story/2426028/lionel-messis-wife-expecting-second-child-barca-star-says \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=24 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002551/http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/story/2426028/lionel-messis-wife-expecting-second-child-barca-star-says \|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2017, his wife announced they were expecting their third child.<ref>{{Cite news \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3230393/lionel-messi-and-wife-antonella-roccuzzo-expecting-their-third-child \|title=Lionel Messi and wife Antonella Roccuzzo expecting their third child \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=15 October 2017 \|access-date=16 October 2017 \|archive-date=27 March 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327112235/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3230393/lionel-messi-and-wife-antonella-roccuzzo-expecting-their-third-child \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi and his family are ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last1=Lisi \|first1=Clemente \|title=A Messi situation: Examining the faith of the world's greatest soccer player \|url=https://religionunplugged.com/news/2020/9/16/lionel-messi-examining-the-faith-of-the-worlds-greatest-soccer-player \|access-date=18 December 2022 \|website=] \|date=16 September 2020 \|archive-date=18 December 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218055412/https://religionunplugged.com/news/2020/9/16/lionel-messi-examining-the-faith-of-the-worlds-greatest-soccer-player \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	At the conclusion of the World Cup final, Messi was awarded the ], as the tournament's best player, ahead of ] and ], and was named in the ]. Messi created the most chances, made the most successful dribbling runs, made the most deliveries into the box, and produced the most throughballs of any other player throughout the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web\|title=World Cup Final: Was Lionel Messi really a disappointment in Brazil or have we just become numb to his genius?\|url=http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup-2014/news/15241/9381511/world-cup-final-was-lionel-messi-really-a-disappointment-in-brazil-or-have-we-just-become-numb-to-his-genius\|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> However, the decision to award Messi the Golden Ball sparked controversy amongst the media, as Messi had no goals and just one assist (in the Round of 16 match) during the knockout round. FIFA President ] was surprised at the choice of Messi for the Golden Ball, while Argentina's former captain and coach Diego Maradona suggested that "marketing people" had chosen the wrong player for the award.<ref>. BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 July 2014</ref><ref>. CBC. Retrieved 15 July 2014</ref> On his award and the final, Messi commented: "I do not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by the wasted chances. We had the best chances. We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great."<ref>. Irish Independent. Retrieved 15 July 2014</ref>

			Messi enjoys a close relationship with his immediate family members, particularly his mother, Celia, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder. His professional affairs are largely run as a family business: his father, Jorge, has been his agent since he was 14, and his oldest brother, Rodrigo, handles his daily schedule and publicity. His mother and other brother, Matías, manage his charitable organization, the Leo Messi Foundation, and take care of personal and professional matters in Rosario.{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=31, 143, 570}}
	==Style of play==
	]/] winner, ].]]
	Messi has been compared to compatriot Diego Maradona, due to their ],<ref>{{cite web\|title=Maradona proclaims Messi as his successor\|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2006-02/25/content_523966.htm\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> which gives him a lower centre of gravity than most players, allowing him to be more agile and change direction more quickly, helping him to evade opposing tackles.<ref name="corriereil">{{cite web\|title=Controllo, corsa, tocco di palla Perché nel calcio piccolo è bello\|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2010/aprile/08/Controllo_corsa_tocco_palla_Perche_co_9_100408088.shtml\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration and his quick feet allow him to keep control of the ball when dribbling at speed.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi – the new Maradona?\|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=347644.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> His former FC Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, once stated: "Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it."<ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/cfa0d296-8672-11e0-9d5c-00144feabdc0.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> Like Maradona before him, Messi is predominantly a left footed player;<ref>{{cite web\|title=Diego Maradona believes Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo\|url=http://www.givemefootball.com/european-news/maradona-messi-better-than-shampoo-commercial-rona\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Profile\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/staff/players/messi\|website=http://www.fcbarcelona.com\|accessdate=21 February 2015}}</ref> during the 2014-15 season however, he was able to partially improve his ability with his weaker foot.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Leo Messi getting off on the right foot\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-getting-off-on-the-right-foot\|website=http://www.fcbarcelona.com\|accessdate=21 February 2015}}</ref> With the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and ] to team mates.<ref name="corriereil"/> Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, and alongside Portuguese forward ], as one of the two best players in the world of his generation.<ref name="Simunic"/><ref name="Muller"/><ref name="Wenger"/><ref name="Beckham"/><ref>{{cite web\|title=Del Potro: Messi's the best player in the world\|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/05/28/en/football/barcelona/1369765243.html\|publisher=Marca.com\|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref>

			Since leaving for Spain aged 13, Messi has maintained close ties to his hometown of Rosario, even preserving his distinct ]. He has kept ownership of his family's old house, although it has long stood empty; he maintains a penthouse apartment in an exclusive residential building for his mother, as well as a family compound just outside the city. Once when he was in training with the national team in Buenos Aires, he made a three-hour trip by car to Rosario immediately after practice to have dinner with his family, spent the night with them, and returned to Buenos Aires the next day in time for practice. Messi keeps in daily contact via phone and text with a small group of confidants in Rosario, most of whom were fellow members of "The Machine of '87" at Newell's Old Boys. He was on bad terms with the club after his transfer to Barcelona, but by 2012 their public feud had ended, with Newell's embracing their ties with Messi, even issuing a club membership card to his newborn son.<ref name="Here" />{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=576–577}}<ref>{{Cite web \|first=Chris \|last=Wright \|title=After Just 72 Hours on the Planet, Thiago Messi Signs for Newell's Old Boys \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=5 November 2012 \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/1850358/after-just-72-hours-on-the-planet-thiago-messi-signs-for-newells-old-boys \|access-date=25 August 2015 \|archive-date=26 January 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126182132/http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/1850358/after-just-72-hours-on-the-planet-thiago-messi-signs-for-newells-old-boys \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi has long planned to return to Rosario to end his playing career at Newell's.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Messi reaffirms desire to return to Newell's Old Boys before retirement \|url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/argentina/story/2943890/lionel-messi-reaffirms-desire-to-return-to-newells-old-boys-before-retirement \|work=ESPN FC \|date=5 September 2016 \|access-date=20 May 2022 \|archive-date=20 May 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520090716/https://www.espn.com.au/football/argentina/story/2943890/lionel-messi-reaffirms-desire-to-return-to-newells-old-boys-before-retirement \|url-status=live}}</ref> Messi holds triple citizenship, as he is a citizen of Argentina, Italy, and Spain.<ref>{{Cite news \|last1=Montes \|first1=Silvia \|title=Leo Messi, llamado a votar en las próximas elecciones italianas \|url=https://as.com/tikitakas/2019/05/04/portada/1556974023_395209.html \|access-date=20 August 2022 \|work=Diario AS \|date=4 May 2019 \|language=es \|archive-date=20 August 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820190043/https://as.com/tikitakas/2019/05/04/portada/1556974023_395209.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Due to his pace and technical ability, Messi often undertakes individual ] runs towards goal, in particular during counterattacks, usually starting from the halfway line, or the right side of the pitch. However, he has also been described as a versatile, hard-working team player, with good vision, known for his passing ability and creative combinations, in particular with Barcelona midfield team mates Xavi and Iniesta.<ref>{{cite news\|title=10: Strength – Lionel Messi: 10 reasons why he's the world's greatest player\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/7523132/Lionel-Messi-10-reasons-why-hes-the-worlds-greatest-player.html?image=9\|accessdate=25 July 2012 \|location=London\|work=The Daily Telegraph\|date=30 March 2010}}</ref><ref name="barcablaugranes1">{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi: The Complete Footballer (Part Two: Passing/Vision)\|url=http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2011/9/16/2430028/lionel-messi-the-complete-footballer-part-two-passing-vision\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 3: Lionel Messi once again lights up El Clasico\|url=http://www.periscopepost.com/2011/12/real-madrid-1-barcelona-3-lionel-messi-once-again-lights-up-el-clasico/\|accessdate=7 September 2012}}</ref> He is also an accurate ] and ] taker.<ref>{{cite web\|title=From Messi to Ronaldo – the world's best free-kick takers\|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/telebest/sport/from-messi-to-ronaldo--the-worlds--best-freekick-takers-14784405.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> With regard to his dribbling ability, Maradona has said of Messi: "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."<ref name="corriereil"/> Maradona considers Messi to currently be the greatest player in the world.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Diego blasts Pele's Messi-Neymar claim\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1048426/diego:-pele-%27stupid%27-to-rate-neymar-over-messi\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Maradona: Cristiano Ronaldo will never reach Messi's level\|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/maradona-cristiano-ronaldo-never-reach-123900688--sow.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> Despite being neither physically imposing nor dominant in the air, due to his small stature and physique, Messi possesses notable upper-body strength, which, along with his balance and control, aids him in protecting the ball and withstanding physical challenges from opponents.<ref>{{cite web\|title=10: Strength - Lionel Messi: 10 reasons why he's the world's greatest player\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/7523132/Lionel-Messi-10-reasons-why-hes-the-worlds-greatest-player.html?image=9\|website=http://www.telegraph.co.uk\|publisher=The Telegraph\|accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref>

			=== Tax fraud ===
	Tactically, Messi plays a free attacking role;<ref name=2012FT/> a prolific goalscorer, he is known for his finishing, pace, stamina, skill, dribbling, balance, positioning and quick reactions.<ref>. The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 December 2014</ref> He also occasionally functions in a ] role, due to his vision and precise passing.<ref name="barcablaugranes1"/><ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/45843/lionel-messi\|accessdate=2 September 2012}}</ref> A versatile player, Messi is capable of playing anywhere along the front line, as he is comfortable attacking on either wing or through the centre of the pitch.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Leo Messi: Professional Profile\|url=http://www.leomessi.com/eng/index.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}{{dead link\|date=July 2013}}</ref> He began his career as a ] or as a ], but was later moved onto the ] by former Barcelona manager ], who noticed that from this position, Messi could cut through the defence into the middle of the pitch more easily, allowing him to ] shots on goal with his left foot, rather than predominantly ] balls for team mates.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi\|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/cfa0d296-8672-11e0-9d5c-00144feabdc0.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> He has more recently played as a ], and in a "]" role under Guardiola.<ref name="blogspot1">{{cite web\|title=The False 9: Guardiola's Barcelona-Reinventing Total Football\|url=http://thefalse9.blogspot.ca/2012/04/guardiolas-barcelona-reinventing-total.html\|accessdate=25 July 2012}}</ref> This role is characterised by Messi's apparent tendency to play as a ], or as a lone striker, although he will often run back into deep positions, drawing defenders with him. His movement creates space for wingers, other forwards, and attacking midfielders to make runs, allowing him to provide them with assists, or giving him space to begin dribbling runs, and score goals or create attacking plays.<ref name="blogspot1"/> With the Argentina national team, Messi usually plays anywhere along the ]. He began as a ], ], or winger, but recently he has also played in a deeper, creative role, as an ] playmaker.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="3 June 2012"/>
			Messi's financial affairs came under investigation in 2013 for suspected ]. Offshore companies in ]s Uruguay and ] were used to evade €4.1 million in taxes related to sponsorship earnings between 2007 and 2009. An unrelated ] in Panama set up in 2012 was subsequently identified as belonging to the Messis in the ] data leak. Messi, who pleaded ignorance of the alleged scheme, voluntarily paid arrears of €5.1 million in August 2013. On 6 July 2016, Messi and his father were both found guilty of tax fraud and were handed ] 21-month prison sentences and respectively ordered to pay €1.7 million and €1.4 million in fines.<ref>{{cite magazine \|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/07/06/lionel-messi-tax-fraud-prison-jail-sentence \|title=Messi, father guilty of tax fraud, given suspended 21-month sentences \|magazine=Sports Illustrated \|date=6 July 2016 \|access-date=6 July 2016 \|archive-date=7 July 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707152733/http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/07/06/lionel-messi-tax-fraud-prison-jail-sentence \|url-status=live}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite news \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/story/2884966/barcelonas-lionel-messi-in-tax-court-i-played-football-and-trusted-my-dad \|title=Barcelona's Lionel Messi in tax court: I played football and trusted my father \|work=ESPN FC \|date=2 June 2016 \|access-date=18 December 2022 \|archive-date=27 March 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327112233/http://www.espnfc.com/spanish-primera-division/story/2884966/barcelonas-lionel-messi-in-tax-court-i-played-football-and-trusted-my-dad \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			== Career statistics ==
	===Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo===
			=== Club ===
	{{main\|Messi–Ronaldo rivalry}}
			{{updated\|match played 9 November 2024}}
	] before an international friendly between ] and ] in Geneva, Switzerland on 9 February 2011]]
	Both players have scored in two ] finals and have regularly broken the 50 goal barrier in a single season. Both have scored over 400 goals in their career for club and country.<ref name="Messi 400"/><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/cristiano-ronaldo/10555284/Cristiano-Ronaldo-reaches-400-goal-milestone-and-dedicates-achievement-to-Eusebio-after-Real-Madrid-win.html \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 400-goal milestone and dedicates achievement to Eusébio after Real Madrid win \|work=] \|date=7 January 2014 \|accessdate=13 January 2014}}</ref> Sports journalists and pundits regularly argue the individual merits of both players in an attempt to argue who they believe is the best player in modern football.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Mendes \|first=Chris \|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/cristiano-ronaldo/10923614/World-Cup-2014-Cristiano-Ronaldos-personal-duel-with-Lionel-Messi-is-affecting-his-performances-for-Portugal.html \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo's personal duel with Lionel Messi is affecting his performances for Portugal \|date=24 June 2014 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=The Telegraph}}</ref> It has been compared to legendary ] such as the ]-] rivalry in boxing which culminated with the ], the ] in tennis, and the ]-] rivalry from ].<ref>{{cite news \|last=Hunter \|first=Graham \|url=http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5842703/el-clasico-all-ronaldo-vs-messi \|title=The game's best rivalry \|date=28 November 2010 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www1.skysports.com/news/21227/7235124/messi-v-ronaldo \|title=Messi v Ronaldo \|date=17 October 2011 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=Sky Sports}}</ref>

			{\| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
	{{Quote box \|width=25% \|align=left \|quoted=1 \|quote=Even before he signed for Madrid, I knew he would be my great rival in the following years. \|salign=right \|source=— Messi commenting on his rivalry with Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2013/03/05/3800582/messi-ronaldo-destined-to-be-my-rival \|title=Messi: Ronaldo destined to be my rival \|publisher=Goal.com \|date=5 March 2013 \|accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref>}}
			\|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

			!rowspan="2"\|Club
	Some commentators choose to analyse the differing physiques of the two,<ref>{{cite news \|last=Hughes \|first=Rob \|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/sports/soccer/14iht-soccer14.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 \|title=Ronaldo May Look Like the Best, but There Is Someone Better \|date=13 September 2011 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=]}}</ref> while part of the debate revolves around the contrasting personalities of the two players: Ronaldo is depicted as an arrogant and theatrical showoff, while Messi is portrayed as a shy, humble character.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Hayward \|first=Paul \|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/26/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-champions-league \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi pits showman against shy man \|date=26 May 2009 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Lewis \|first=Tim \|url=http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/nov/24/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-portugal-football \|title=Cristiano Ronaldo: he's got a god-given talent – and he knows it \|date=24 November 2013 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Calvin \|first=Michael \|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-last-word-crunch-time-for-lionel-messi-and-cristiano-ronaldo-9537924.html \|title=Crunch time for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo \|date=15 June 2014 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Storey \|first=Daniel \|url=http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup-2014/news/15241/9350562/ronaldo-the-world8217s-best \|title=Ronaldo: The world’s best? \|date=16 June 2014 \|accessdate=30 September 2014 \|work=Sky Sports}}</ref>
			!rowspan="2"\|Season

			!colspan="3"\|League
	With Messi and Ronaldo representing bitter Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two players face each other at least twice every season in the world's biggest club game, '']'', which had a global audience of 400 million viewers in March 2014.<ref name="Forbes 2014"/> Off the field, they are the face of two rival sportswear giants, Messi of ] and Ronaldo of ].<ref>. NBC. Retrieved 1 October 2014</ref> The two highest paid players in football, Ronaldo and Messi are among the world's best paid sports stars: in 2013, Ronaldo was second earning $80 million, and Messi was fourth with $64.7 million.<ref>. BBC. Retrieved 1 October 2014</ref> They have the two biggest social media followings in the world among sportspeople with a combined 138 million Facebook fans by May 2014.<ref name="Forbes 2014">. Forbes. Retrieved 1 October 2014</ref>
			!colspan="2"\|National cup{{efn\|Includes ], ], ]}}

			!colspan="2"\|Continental{{efn\|All appearances in ], unless otherwise noted}}
	Many figures in the sport have cited Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as being the two best players of their generation, such as ],<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/international/johan-cruyff-praises-both-lionel-messi-and-cristiano-ronaldo/162905 \|title=Cruyff Praise For Messi And Ronaldo \|publisher=SL International \|date=19 May 2014 \|accessdate=7 August 2014}}</ref> Diego Maradona<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/5456/international-football/2014/06/11/4875101/ronaldo-messi-the-best-of-their-generation-maradona \|title=Ronaldo & Messi the best of their generation - Maradona \|publisher=Goal.com \|date=11 July 2014 \|accessdate=7 August 2014}}</ref> and the Brazilian ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.7msport.com/news/newsdata/20121129/81402.shtml \|title=Brazil legend Ronaldo: Messi will beat Cristiano to the Ballon d'Or \|publisher=7M Sports \|date=29 November 2012 \|accessdate=9 December 2012}}</ref> The two players have been named the world's best player by ] every year since 2008: ] (Ronaldo 2008, Messi 2009) and ] (Messi 2010, 2011, 2012, Ronaldo 2013, 2014).<ref>. RSSSF. Retrieved 30 September 2014</ref> Cristiano Ronaldo's former Real Madrid manager, ], once stated: "If both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born in different eras, they would have ruled the football scene and collected 10 FIFA Ballon d'Ors each."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ronaldo7.net/news/2012/498-jose-mourinho-cristiano-ronaldo-deserves-the-fifa-balon-dor-this-season.html \|title=José Mourinho: "Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the FIFA Balon d'Or this season" \|publisher=Ronaldo7.net \|date=13 May 2012 \|accessdate=3 July 2012}}</ref>
			!colspan="2"\|Other

			!colspan="2"\|Total
	==Outside football==

	===Personal life===
	] on 21 May 2009]]
	Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, also from his hometown of Rosario. He is said to have been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover from his injury a few days before the start of the 2006 World Cup.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.gente.com.ar/nota.php?ID=11359\|title=Lionel me prometió venir a mi cumple de quince después del Mundial\|publisher=Gente Online\|accessdate=18 June 2009 \|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.vefutbol.com.mx/notas/16849.html \|title=Aún le mueve el tapete a Messi \|publisher=El Universal \|date=19 June 2008 \|accessdate=18 June 2009 \|language=Spanish \|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090531053417/http://www.vefutbol.com.mx/notas/16849.html \|archivedate=31 May 2009 }}</ref> He has in the past also been linked to the Argentine ] ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://elcomercio.pe/ediciononline/html/2008-06-20/luciana-salazar-la-nueva-novia-messi.html\|title=Luciana Salazar, ¿la nueva novia de Messi?\|publisher=El Comercio\|date=20 June 2008 \|accessdate=18 June 2009 \|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name="Messi y Antonella pasean"/>

	In January 2009, he told "Hat Trick Barça", a programme on ]: "I have a girlfriend and she is living in Argentina. I am relaxed and happy".<ref name="Messi y Antonella pasean">{{cite news\|url=http://www.elperiodico.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=46&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=590154&idseccio_PK=1028\|title=Messi y Antonella pasean por el Carnaval de Sitges su noviazgo\|work=El Periódico de Catalunya\|date=25 February 2009 \|accessdate=18 June 2009\|language=Spanish\|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090610003322/http://www.elperiodico.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=46&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=590154&idseccio_PK=1028 \|archivedate=10 June 2009}}</ref> He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo,<ref name="Roccuzzo">{{cite news\|url=http://www.calciomercato.it/news/46787/Messi-a-dicembre-sogni-doro!.html\|title=Messi, a dicembre... sogni d'oro\|publisher=Calcio Mercato News\|date=21 April 2009 \|accessdate=13 July 2009 \|language=Italian}}</ref> at a carnival in ] after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.taringa.net/posts/noticias/2213473/La-verdad-sobre-la-nueva-novia-de-Messi__.html\|title=La verdad sobre la nueva novia de Messi\|publisher=Taringa\|date=24 February 2009 \|accessdate=18 June 2009 \|language=Spanish}}</ref> On 2 June 2012, Messi assisted and scored a goal in Argentina's 4–0 win against Ecuador in a ] Qualifying match. He celebrated scoring his 23rd goal for Argentina, by placing the ball under his jersey, as his girlfriend was reportedly 12 weeks pregnant. She posted on ] that she expected to give birth in September.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi show...da papà!\|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio_Estero/Primo_Piano/03-06-2012/messi-show-papa-vidal-fa-volare-cile-911422444067.shtml\|accessdate=3 June 2012}}</ref> Messi stated that the child, a son, would be born in October, and that he and his girlfriend would name him Thiago.

	However, the birth came later than expected. On 2 November 2012, Messi became a father for the first time following the birth of his son Thiago. FC Barcelona's official website briefly stated "Leo Messi is a father". Besides, the Argentine striker added on his ] page: "Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift!"<ref name=Thompson/><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/item/198785-lionel-messis-girlfriend-gives-birth-to-baby-boy-thiago\|title=Lionel Messi's girlfriend gives birth to baby boy -Thiago \|accessdate=2 November 2012}}</ref> He also had the boy's name and handprints tattooed on his left calf.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/21/lionel-messi-tattoo_n_2923875.html \|title=Lionel Messi Has Tattoo Of Son Thiago's Handprints \|work=Huffington Post \|date=21 March 2013 \|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref>

	To celebrate his son's first birthday, Messi and Thiago were part of a publicity campaign for ].<ref name=UNICEF>{{cite web\|title=Leo & Thiago Messi Celebrate Life\|url=http://www.unicef.org/messithiago/en/\|accessdate=9 June 2014}}</ref> Those who signed up and participated in the social-media campaign had the chance to win a pair of Messi's shoes or a signed Messi T-shirt.<ref name=UNICEF />

	Messi has two cousins also involved in football: ], a winger for ] of Paraguay, and ], who plays as a midfielder for Paraguay's ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/esportes/seu_time/flamengo/2007/08/20/maxi_afirma_que_messi_deve_vir_ao_brasil_para_ve_lo_jogar_972383.html\|title=Maxi afirma que Messi deve vir ao Brasil para vê-lo jogar\|publisher=Último Segundo\|date=20 August 2007 \|accessdate=3 November 2009 \|language=Portuguese}}{{dead link\|date=July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.tz-online.de/sport/fussball/tsv-1860/biancucchi-hoert-mir-mit-messi-auf-498339.html\|title=Hört mir auf mit Messi!\|publisher=TZ Online\|date=20 October 2009 \|accessdate=3 November 2009 \|language=German\|first=Claudius \|last=Mayer}}</ref>

	In 2013, Messi, a devout Roman Catholic, met ], himself a fan of Argentine club ], at the Vatican, with Messi stating; “Without a doubt, today was one of the most special days of my life. We have to excel on and off the field.”<ref>. Catholic Herald. Retrieved 8 June 2014</ref>

	Messi has maintained close ties to Rosario and his family since leaving for Spain, and has gone to great lengths to maintain them. He keeps in daily contact via phone and text with a small group of confidants from Rosario, most of them fellow members of "The Machine of '87". One time when he was in training with the Argentina national team in Buenos Aires, he made a three-hour trip by car to Rosario immediately after practice to have dinner with his family, spent the night with them, and then returned to Buenos Aires the next day in time for practice. Messi has also kept ownership of his old house in Rosario, although his family no longer lives in it; he maintains a penthouse apartment in an exclusive residential building in which his mother lives (Messi's father spends most of his time in Spain with him), as well as a family compound just outside the city.<ref name=Thompson/>

	===Charity===
	In 2007, Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation, a charity supporting access to education and health care for vulnerable children.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fundacionleomessi.org/nuestra-fundacion.php \|title=Fundación Leo Messi – Nuestra Fundación \|publisher=Fundacíon Leo Messi \|accessdate=7 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fundacionleomessi.org/index.php \|title=Fundación Leo Messi – Home \|publisher=Fundacíon Leo Messi \|accessdate=7 June 2010}}</ref> In response to Messi's own childhood medical difficulties, the Leo Messi Foundation has offered Argentine children diagnosed with illnesses treatment in Spain and funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://en.leo-messi.net/new-foundation-lionel-messi__921.aspx/ \|title=Foundation Lionel Messi \|publisher=En.leo-messi.net \|accessdate=7 June 2010}}{{dead link\|date=December 2012}}</ref> Messi's foundation is supported by his own fundraising activity with additional assistance from ].

	On 11 March 2010, Messi was announced as a ] for ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.unicef.org/media/media_52938.html \|title=UNICEF to announce Lionel Messi as Goodwill Ambassador \|work=Press centre \|publisher=UNICEF \|accessdate=30 March 2010}}</ref> Messi's UNICEF ambassador activities are aimed at supporting children’s rights. Messi is supported in this by Barcelona, who also have a strong association with UNICEF.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.unicef.org/media/media_52938.html \|title=Press centre – UNICEF to announce Lionel Messi as Goodwill Ambassador \|publisher=] \|accessdate=7 June 2010}}</ref>

	He and Newell's have also ended a long public feud. Messi funded the construction of a dormitory inside ] for the club's youth academy, as well as a new gymnasium for the club. For their part, Newell's has begun to embrace their ties with Messi, and plans to issue a special club membership card to Messi's son.<ref name=Thompson/>

	In March 2013, Lionel Messi donated €600,000 towards the refurbishment of a children's hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The money was used to renovate the oncology unit at the Victor J Vilela Children's Hospital, as well as paying for doctors to travel to Barcelona for training.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/03/09/en/football/barcelona/1362859034.html \|title=Messi helps mission against child cancer \|publisher=Marca.com \|date=9 March 2013 \|accessdate=12 March 2013 }}</ref>

	In January 2015, Messi teamed up with tennis star ] as ambassadors in a new campaign, called '''1 in 11''' (represents the number of children worldwide who are unable to attend school), the result of a collaboration between ], the ], and ] (ROTA). The campaign's aim is to help children around the world reach their potential through sport and education by raising funds for education programmes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2903694/Lionel-Messi-Serena-Williams-team-charitable-campaign-1-11.html\|title=Lionel Messi and Serena Williams team-up for charitable campaign '1 in 11' as they seek to improve education for children\|publisher=DailyMail.com \|date=11 January 2015}}</ref>

	===Wealth===
	In March 2010, '']'' ranked Messi at the top of its list of the world's richest footballers, ahead of ] and ], with €33 million ($45 million) in combined income from salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings for the previous 12 months.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Davey-Becks-no-longer-the-world-s-best-paid-foot?urn=sow-229808 \|title=Davey Becks no longer the world's best paid footballer \|date=23 March 2010 \|first=Brooks \|last=Peck \|accessdate=9 January 2012 \|publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/messi-tops-rich-list-ahead-of-beckham/242045-5-21.html \|title=Messi tops rich list ahead of Beckham – Sports – Football – ibnlive \|publisher=Ibnlive.in.com \|date=23 March 2012 \|accessdate=28 July 2012}}</ref> In May 2014, '']'' ranked Messi second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in their list of the world's highest paid players with earnings of $65 million in the previous 12 months.<ref>{{cite web \|title=The world's highest paid football players \|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2014/05/07/the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-players-3/ \|publisher=Forbes.com \|date=7 May 2014 \|accessdate=8 May 2014 }}</ref>

	====Salary====
	In December 2012, Barcelona announced that Messi would sign a five-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until 2018 and raising his base salary to €16 million ($21.2 million) net, which will make him the highest on-field earner in football. As the tax bracket for this level of income in Spain is 56%, it means that Barcelona will have to pay Messi's income tax of a little over €20 million ($26.5 million).<ref>{{cite news \|first=Agustino \|last=Fontevecchia \|title=FC Barcelona Giving Lionel Messi A Raise After A Record 2012 \|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/afontevecchia/2012/12/19/fc-barcelona-giving-lionel-messi-a-raise-after-his-record-year/ \|publisher=Forbes.com \|date=19 December 2012 \|accessdate=8 May 2014 }}</ref> His formal buy-out clause remains at €250 million.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Sid \|last=Lowe \|title=Lionel Messi agrees new contract to stay at Barcelona until 2018 \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/18/lionel-messi-new-contract-barcelona-2018 \|work=The Guardian \|publisher=Guardian News and Media \|location=London \|date=18 December 2012 \|accessdate=8 May 2014 }}</ref>

	====Sponsorships====
	In September 2012, Messi became the global brand ambassador of ].<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/corporate/press-room/press-releases/15924/argentine-soccer-star-leo-messi-named-global-brand-ambassador-for-turkish-airlines \|title=Argentine Soccer Star Leo Messi Named Global Brand Ambassador For Turkish Airlines \|publisher=Turkish Airlines \|date=6 December 2012 \|accessdate=6 December 2012 }}</ref> Messi shot a commercial for the airline with ] star ]. In the airline's latest commercial, the duo competes to win the attention of a young boy.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg\|title=Kobe vs Messi: Legends on Board\|publisher=Turkish Airlines\|date=6 December 2012 \|accessdate=6 December 2012}}</ref> Messi appeared in a 2012 television advert for Japanese face wash Scalp-D.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/slideshow/2471/49/title/the-goal-rich-list-2013 \|title=The Goal Rich list 2013: 2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – £115.5m \|publisher=Goal.com \|date=25 February 2013 \|accessdate=14 May 2013}}</ref> In December 2013, Messi appeared in an advertisement for South Korean company ], along with 10 other football players from around the globe, as the captain of a Galaxy XI managed by German football legend ].<ref>. Daily Mail. Retrieved 25 August 2014</ref>

	In February 2014, Messi appeared in a ] advertisement with tennis star ]. He was announced as the global face of the company's international football campaign. Gillette has also become a partner of the Leo Messi Foundation to support its mission.<ref>{{cite web\|publisher=Yahoo finance\|title=Gillette Announces Lionel Messi as New Global Ambassador\|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gillette-announces-lionel-messi-global-140000065.html \|date=2 February 2014}}</ref>

	====Tax evasion====
	Messi's father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was under investigation for an alleged €4 million in unpaid taxes from 2007 to 2009. Messi and his father were accused of channelling funds through the United Kingdom and Switzerland, to a number of shell companies set up in tax havens of Belize and Uruguary, in order to shield royalties and other licensing income from Spanish income tax which allowed them to avoid paying around €4.165 million.<ref></ref><ref></ref>

	The elder Messi made a payment of over €5 million in August 2013 to cover the unpaid taxes, plus interest. The prosecutor originally agreed that Jorge was responsible for the tax schemes and recommended that the charges be dismissed. However, a Barcelona court stated that there was sufficient evidence proving that the younger Messi should have known about and consented to the tax scheme and ordered them both to stand trial on tax evasion charges in autumn 2014.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref>

	===Media===
	]
	Messi was featured on the front covers of the video games '']'' and '']'' and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the games.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.gamezine.co.uk/news-story/2008/08/01/konami-names-messi-as-face-of-pes-2009\|title=Konami names Messi as face of PES 2009\|publisher=Gamezine.co.uk\|date=1 August 2008 \|accessdate=9 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.pesunites.com/eng/index.htm\|title=Messi\|publisher=PES Unites \|accessdate=9 June 2009\|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090603173802/http://www.pesunites.com/eng/index.htm <!--Added by H3llBot-->\|archivedate=3 June 2009}}</ref> Messi, along with ],<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/torres_signs_for_pes_2010.html\|title=Torres signs for PES 2010\|publisher=Videogamer.com\|date=23 June 2009 \|accessdate=7 July 2009\|last=Orry\|first=James}}</ref> is the face of '']'', and was also involved in the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://uk.games.konami-europe.com/blog.do;jsessionid=E3F32E431E73A1D6AF0B71D695498692\|title=Motions and Emotions in Barcelona\|publisher=Konami\|date=8 June 2009 \|accessdate=9 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://uk.games.konami-europe.com/news.do;jsessionid=A2FD1270B2C75DE70A52446CBF821D5A?idNews=411\|title=E3 2009: PES 2010: Messi fronts exclusive E3 trailer\|publisher=Konami\|date=2 June 2009 \|accessdate=9 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.pesfan.com/news/8212537/Messi-mo-cap-photos/\|title=MOTD magazine crew meet Messi in Barcelona\|publisher=PESFan (Match of the Day Magazine)\|accessdate=18 June 2009}}</ref> However in November 2011, Messi was confirmed as the new face of PES's rival football series '']'' with his debut as a cover star of the series coming in 2012's '']''. Messi was also chosen to be on the cover of '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2417325/Gareth-Bale-Lionel-Messi-FIFA-14-cover.html\|title=Bale and Messi take centre stage on FIFA 14 front cover\|date=11 September 2013\|work=Daily Mail\|accessdate=19 September 2013\|location=London\|first=John\|last=Drayton}}</ref>
	Messi is sponsored by the German sportswear company ] and features in their television advertisements.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/video/2009/may/27/zidane-messi-adidas-ad\|title=Watch Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi in Adidas ad\|work=The Guardian \|location=UK \|date=27 May 2009 \|accessdate=16 August 2009 }}</ref> In June 2010, Messi also signed a three–year contract with ] which further supports the Leo Messi Foundation.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/herbalife-becomes-new-sponsor-of-fc-barcelona-2010-06-02?reflink=MW_news_stmp\|title=Herbalife Becomes New Sponsor \|date=2 June 2010\|accessdate=7 June 2010}}</ref>

	Messi was named twice in the ], ]'s annual list of the most influential people in the world, in 2011<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066498,00.html \|title=The 2011 Time 100 \|work=] \|date=21 April 2011 \|first=Thierry \|last=Henry \|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> and in 2012.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112092,00.html\|title=Lionel Messi among Time's 100 most influential people \|work=] \|date=19 April 2012}}</ref>
	<!-- Deleted image removed: ]]] -->
	Within a few hours of its launch in April 2011, Messi's Facebook page had more than six million followers,<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/print_news.php?nid=180886 \|title=Messi opens Facebook \|agency=AFP \|newspaper=The Daily Star \|location=Bangladesh \|date=8 April 2011 \|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> and in 2013, Messi became the second sportsperson, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to amass over 50 million followers.<ref>. Reuters. Retrieved 21 June 2014</ref>

	Messi ranked second behind ] in ''SportsPro'' magazine's 2013 list of the world's most marketable athletes.<ref name="SportsPro">{{cite news \|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/press_releases/neymar_retains_position_as_worlds_most_marketable_athlete/ \|title=Neymar retains position as World’s Most Marketable Athlete \|work=SportsPro \|date=13 May 2013 \|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Japanese jeweller Ginza Takana used a cast of Messi's left foot to create a solid gold replica, weighing {{convert\|25\|kg}}, which went on sale in Japan in March 2013 to raise funds for victims of the ]. It was valued at $5.25 million.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/06/sport/football/football-leo-messi-golden-foot/ \|title=Messi's left foot – yours for $5.25 million \|publisher=CNN \|date=6 March 2013 \|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref>

	In 2014, Messi was the subject of a documentary by filmmaker ], titled '']'', which premiered at the ] in September.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Hopewell \|first=John \|url=http://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/film-factory-takes-alex-de-la-iglesias-messi-1201273493/ \|title=Film Factory Takes Alex de la Iglesia’s ‘Messi’ \|date=1 August 2014 \|accessdate=9 December 2014 \|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Macnab \|first=geoffrey \|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/how-do-you-portray-the-magic-of-lionel-messi--the-worlds-greatest-footballer--in-a-movie-9739141.html \|title=Lionel Messi movie: How do you accurately portray the magic of the world's greatest footballer? \|date=17 September 2014 \|accessdate=9 December 2014 \|work=The Independent}}</ref> On 12 February 2015, a photograph of Messi facing the World Cup Trophy during the final at ] in which Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany, was voted 2014's best sports image in the ], titled "The Final Game".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2950891/Desperate-migrants-crammed-aboard-boats-doomed-victims-Ebola-terrified-circus-animals-fearful-beating-world-s-best-news-images-year-revealed.html\|title=The world’s best news images of the year revealed\|publisher=DailyMail.com\|date=12 February 2015}}</ref>

	==Career statistics==

	===Club===
	{{updated\|match played 23 May 2015.}}

	{\| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
	\|-		\|-
			!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
	! rowspan="2" \| Club
	! rowspan="2" \| Season
	! colspan="3" \| League
	! colspan="2" \| ]
	! colspan="2" \| ]
	! colspan="2" \| Other
	! colspan="2" \| Total
	\|-		\|-
			\|]
	! Division
			\|{{nowrap\|]{{sfn\|Caioli\|2012\|pp=69–71}}}}
	! Apps
			\|]
	! Goals
			\|10 \|\| 5 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 10 \|\| 5
	! Apps
	! Goals
	! Apps
	! Goals
	! Apps
	! Goals
	! Apps
	! Goals
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]		\|rowspan="3"\|]
			\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2003–04 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2003-04 \|access-date=19 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630165905/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2003-04 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| ]<ref name="Lionel Messi Match History Statistics"/>
	\| ]		\|]
			\|5 \|\| 0 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 5 \|\| 0
	\| 10
	\| 5
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| 10
	\| 5
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2004–05">{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2004–05 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2004-05 \|access-date=19 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630175258/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2004-05 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| rowspan="3" \| ]
			\|Segunda División B
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2003-04\|title=Messi: Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: 2003–04\|publisher=BDFutbol\|accessdate=28 December 2013}}</ref>
			\|17 \|\| 6 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 17 \|\| 6
	\| rowspan="2" \| ]
	\| 5
	\| 0
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| 5
	\| 0
	\|-		\|-
			!colspan="2"\|Total
	\| ]<ref name="2004-05">{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2004-05\|title=Messi: Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: 2004–05\|publisher=BDFutbol\|accessdate=28 December 2013}}</ref>
			!22!!6!!colspan="2"\|—!!colspan="2"\|—!!colspan="2"\|—!!22!!6
	\| 17
	\| 6
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| 17
	\| 6
	\|-		\|-
			\|rowspan="18"\|]
	! colspan="2" \| Total
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2004–05" />
	! 32
			\|]
	! 11
	! colspan="2" \| —		\|7 \|\| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 9 \|\| 1
	! colspan="2" \| —
	! colspan="2" \| —
	! 32
	! 11
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2005–06 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2005-06 \|access-date=20 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630200019/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2005-06 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| rowspan="12" \| ]
			\|La Liga
	\| ]<ref name="2004-05"/>
			\|17 \|\| 6 \|\| 2 \|\| 1 \|\| 6 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 25 \|\| 8
	\| rowspan="11" \| ]
	\| 7
	\| 1
	\| 1
	\| 0
	\| 1<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL">Appearance(s) in ]</ref>
	\| 0
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| 9
	\| 1
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2005~~-06\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2005–06~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2006–07 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2006-07 \|access-date=21 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630212928/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2006-07 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 17		\|La Liga
			\|26 \|\| 14 \|\| 2 \|\| 2 \|\| 5 \|\| 1 \|\| 3{{efn\|One appearance in ], two appearances in ]}} \|\| 0 \|\| 36 \|\| 17
	\| 6
	\| 2
	\| 1
	\| 6<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 1
	\| 0
	\| 0
	\| 25
	\| 8
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2006~~-07\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2006–07~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2007–08 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2007-08 \|access-date=21 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630205507/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2007-08 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 26		\|La Liga
			\|28 \|\| 10 \|\| 3 \|\| 0 \|\| 9 \|\| 6 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 40 \|\| 16
	\| 14
	\| 2
	\| 2
	\| 6<ref group="lower-alpha" >One appearance in ], five appearances and one goal in ]</ref>
	\| 1
	\| 2<ref group="lower-alpha" name="SDE" >Appearances in ]</ref>
	\| 0
	\| 36
	\| 17
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2007~~-08\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2007–08~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2008–09 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2008-09 \|access-date=24 July 2015 \|archive-date=9 December 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209091527/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2008-09 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 28		\|La Liga
			\|31 \|\| 23 \|\| 8 \|\| 6 \|\| 12 \|\| 9 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 51 \|\| 38
	\| 10
	\| 3
	\| 0
	\| 9<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 6
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| 40
	\| 16
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2008~~-09\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2008–09~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2009–10 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2009-10 \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 March 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318114330/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2009-10 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 31		\|La Liga
			\|35 \|\| 34 \|\| 3 \|\| 1 \|\| 11 \|\| 8 \|\| 4{{efn\|One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance and two goals in Supercopa de España, two appearances and two goals in ]}} \|\| 4 \|\| 53 \|\| 47
	\| 23
	\| 8
	\| 6
	\| 12<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 9
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\| 51
	\| 38
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2009~~-10\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2009–10~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2010–11 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2010-11 \|access-date=27 July 2015 \|archive-date=30 June 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630194758/http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2010-11 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 35		\|La Liga
			\|33 \|\| 31 \|\| 7 \|\| 7 \|\| 13 \|\| 12 \|\| 2{{efn\|name=SDE\|Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España}} \|\| 3 \|\| 55 \|\| 53
	\| 34
	\| 3
	\| 1
	\| 12<ref group="lower-alpha" >One appearance in ], 11 appearances and eight goals in ]</ref>
	\| 8
	\| 3<ref group="lower-alpha" >One appearance and two goals in ], two appearances and two goals in ]</ref>
	\| 4
	\| 53
	\| 47
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2010~~-11\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2010–11~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2011–12 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2011-12 \|access-date=30 July 2015 \|archive-date=18 March 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318162042/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2011-12 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 33		\|La Liga
			\|37 \|\| 50 \|\| 7 \|\| 3 \|\| 11 \|\| 14 \|\| 5{{efn\|One appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and three goals in Supercopa de España, two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup}} \|\| 6 \|\| 60 \|\| 73
	\| 31
	\| 7
	\| 7
	\| 13<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 12
	\| 2<ref group="lower-alpha" name="SDE" />
	\| 3
	\| 55
	\| 53
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2011~~-12\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2011–12~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=28 ~~December 2013~~}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2012–13 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2012-13 \|access-date=9 August 2015 \|archive-date=18 March 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318133303/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2012-13 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 37		\|La Liga
			\|32 \|\| 46 \|\| 5 \|\| 4 \|\| 11 \|\| 8 \|\| 2{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 2 \|\| 50 \|\| 60
	\| 50
	\| 7
	\| 3
	\| 12<ref group="lower-alpha" >One appearance and one goal in ], 11 appearances and 14 goals in ]</ref>
	\| 15
	\| 4<ref group="lower-alpha" >Two appearances and three goals in ], two appearances and two goals in ]</ref>
	\| 5
	\| 60
	\| 73
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2012~~-13\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2012–13~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=~~28 December~~ 2013}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2013–14 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2013-14 \|access-date=10 August 2015 \|archive-date=10 August 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810163710/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2013-14 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 32		\|La Liga
			\|31 \|\| 28 \|\| 6 \|\| 5 \|\| 7 \|\| 8 \|\| 2{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 0 \|\| 46 \|\| 41
	\| 46
	\| 5
	\| 4
	\| 11<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 8
	\| 2<ref group="lower-alpha" name="SDE" />
	\| 2
	\| 50
	\| 60
	\|-		\|-
	\| ]<ref>{{~~cite~~ web\|url=~~http~~://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=~~2013~~-14\|~~title~~=~~Messi:~~ ~~Lionel~~ ~~Andrés~~ ~~Messi~~ ~~Cuccittini:~~ ~~2013–14~~\|~~publisher~~=~~BDFutbol\|accessdate~~=~~27 August~~ 2014}}</ref>		\|]<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2014–15 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2014-15 \|access-date=11 August 2015 \|archive-date=15 September 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915085528/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2014-15 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 31		\|La Liga
			\|38 \|\| 43 \|\| 6 \|\| 5 \|\| 13 \|\| 10 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 57 \|\| 58
	\| 28
	\| 6
	\| 5
	\| 7<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 8
	\| 2<ref group="lower-alpha" name="SDE" />
	\| 0
	\| 46
	\| 41
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2015–16">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2015–16 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2015-16 \|access-date=6 September 2015 \|archive-date=15 September 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915085556/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2015-16 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://uk.soccerway.com/players/lionel-andres-messi/119/\|title=L. Messi\|publisher=Soccerway\|accessdate=28 December 2013}}</ref>
			\|La Liga
	\|38
			\|33 \|\| 26 \|\| 5 \|\| 5 \|\| 7 \|\| 6 \|\| 4{{efn\|One appearance and two goals in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and one goal in Supercopa de España, one appearance and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup}} \|\| 4 \|\| 49 \|\| 41
	\|43
	\| 5
	\| 3
	\| 12<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL" />
	\| 10
	\| colspan="2" \| —
	\|55
	\| 56
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2016–17">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2016–17 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2016-17 \|access-date=27 October 2016 \|archive-date=21 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821010456/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2016-17 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! colspan="2" \| Total
			\|La Liga
	!315
			\|34 \|\| 37 \|\| 7 \|\| 5 \|\| 9 \|\| 11 \|\| 2{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 1 \|\| 52 \|\| 54
	!286
	! 49
	! 32
	!101
	! 78
	! 15
	! 14
	!480
	!410
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2017–18">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2017–18 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2017-18 \|access-date=27 August 2017 \|archive-date=22 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822014537/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2017-18 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! colspan="3" \| Career total
			\|La Liga
	!347
			\|36 \|\| 34 \|\| 6 \|\| 4 \|\| 10 \|\| 6 \|\| 2{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 1 \|\| 54 \|\| 45
	!297
	! 49
	! 32
	!101
	! 78
	! 15
	! 14
	!512
	!421
	\|}

	{{Reflist\|group=lower-alpha}}

	===International===
	] in Geneva, Switzerland, on 9 February 2011]]
	{{updated\|match played 12 November 2014.}}<ref name="nationalfootball"/><ref name="sub20amistosos"/><ref name="rsssf">{{cite web \|url=http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/messi-intlg.html \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi – Goals in International Matches \|publisher=RSSSF \|accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi: A Career in Numbers\|url=http://www.givemefootball.com/champions-league/lionel-messi-career-in-numbers\|accessdate=24 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Lionel Messi: Career Statistics\|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/45843/lionel-messi\|accessdate=24 May 2012}}</ref>

	====International appearances====
	<!-- update if game for Argentina -->
	{\| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
	\|+ International statistics
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2018–19">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2018–19 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2018-19 \|access-date=27 August 2018 \|archive-date=21 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821010232/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2018-19 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	! width="80" \| Team
			\|La Liga
	! width="70" \| Year
			\|34 \|\| 36 \|\| 5 \|\| 3 \|\| 10 \|\| 12 \|\| 1{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 0 \|\| 50 \|\| 51
	! width="45" \| Apps
	! width="45" \| Goals
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2019–20">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2019–20 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2019-20 \|access-date=17 September 2019 \|archive-date=6 July 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706113637/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2019-20 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| rowspan="10" \| ]
	\| ~~2005~~		\|La Liga
			\|33 \|\| 25 \|\| 2 \|\| 2 \|\| 8 \|\| 3 \|\| 1{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 1 \|\| 44 \|\| 31
	\| 5
	\| 0
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2020–21">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2020–21 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2020-21 \|access-date=9 October 2020 \|archive-date=22 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822014539/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2020-21 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 2006
	\| 7		\|La Liga
			\|35 \|\| 30 \|\| 5 \|\| 3 \|\| 6 \|\| 5 \|\| 1{{efn\|name=SDE}} \|\| 0 \|\| 47 \|\| 38
	\| 2
	\|-		\|-
			!colspan="2"\|Total
	\| 2007
			!520 \|\| 474 \|\| 80 \|\| 56 \|\| 149 \|\| 120 \|\| 29 \|\| 22 \|\| 778 \|\| 672
	\| 14
	\| 6
	\|-		\|-
			\|rowspan="3"\|]
	\| 2008
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2021–22">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2021–22 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2021-22 \|access-date=18 August 2021 \|archive-date=30 November 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130204328/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2021-22 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 8
			\|]
	\| 2
			\|26 \|\| 6 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 7 \|\| 5 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 34 \|\| 11
	\|-		\|-
			\|]<ref name="Matches 2022–23">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini: Matches 2022–23 \|publisher=BDFutbol \|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2022-23 \|access-date=31 July 2022 \|archive-date=21 August 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821010233/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j1753.html?temp=2022-23 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 2009
	\| 10		\|Ligue 1
			\|32 \|\| 16 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 7 \|\| 4 \|\| 1{{efn\|Appearance in ]}} \|\| 1 \|\| 41 \|\| 21
	\| 3
	\|-		\|-
			!colspan="2"\|Total
	\| 2010
			!58 \|\| 22 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 14 \|\| 9 \|\| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 75 \|\| 32
	\| 10
	\| 2
	\|-		\|-
			\|rowspan="3"\|]
	\| 2011
			\|]
	\| 13
			\|]
	\| 4
			\|6 \|\| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 7{{efn\|Appearances in ]}} \|\| 10 \|\| 14 \|\| 11
	\|-		\|-
			\|]
	\| 2012
	\| 9		\|MLS
			\|19 \|\| 20 \|\| colspan="2"\|— \|\| 3{{efn\|Appearances in ]}} \|\| 2 \|\| 3{{efn\|Appearances in ]}} \|\| 1 \|\| 25 \|\| 23
	\| 12
	\|-		\|-
			!colspan="2"\|Total
	\| 2013
			!25 \|\| 21 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 3 \|\| 2 \|\| 10 \|\| 11 \|\| 39 \|\| 34
	\| 7
	\| 6
	\|-		\|-
			!colspan="3"\|Career total
	\| 2014
			!635 \|\| 528 \|\| 83 \|\| 56 \|\| 166 \|\| 131 \|\| 40 \|\| 34 \|\| 924 \|\| 749
	\| 13
	\| 8
	\|-
	! colspan="2" \| Total
	! 97
	! 45
	\|}		\|}
			{{notelist}}

			=== International ===
			{{See also\|List of international goals scored by Lionel Messi}}
			{{updated\|match played 19 November 2024}}

			{\| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
	====International goals====
			\|+ Appearances and goals by national team, year and competition
	:''Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first.''<!-- update if goal for Argentina -->
			!rowspan="2"\|Team
	{\| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
			!rowspan="2"\|Year
			!colspan="2"\|Competitive
			!colspan="2"\|Friendly
			!colspan="2"\|Total
	\|-		\|-
			!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
	! Goal
	! Date
	! Venue
	! Opponent
	! Score
	! Result
	! Competition
	\|-
	\| 1
	\| 1 March 2006
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|CRO}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–1
	\| align="center" \| 2–3
	\| ]
	\|-
	\| 2
	\| 16 June 2006
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|SCG}}
	\| align="center" \| '''6'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 6–0
	\| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|rowspan=3 \| ]{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=209–219}}{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=220–240}}
			\|2004
			\|colspan=2 \| —
			\| 2
			\| 3
			\| 2
	\| 3		\| 3
	\| rowspan="2" \| 5 June 2007
	\| rowspan="2" \| ], ], ]
	\| rowspan="2" \| {{fb\|ALG}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–2
	\| rowspan="2" align="center" \| 4–3
	\| rowspan="2" \| ]
	\|-
	\| 4
	\| align="center" \| '''4'''–2
	\|-
	\| 5
	\| 8 July 2007
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|PER}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 4–0
	\| rowspan="2" \| ]
	\|-
	\| 6
	\| 11 July 2007
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|MEX}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 3–0
	\|-
	\| 7
	\| 16 October 2007
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|VEN}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 2–0
	\| rowspan="2" \| ]
	\|-
	\| 8
	\| 20 November 2007
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|COL}}
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 1–2
	\|-
	\| 9
	\| 4 June 2008
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|MEX}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 4–1
	\| ]
	\|-
	\| 10
	\| 11 October 2008
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|URU}}
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 2–1
	\| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|2005
			\|16{{efn\|Nine appearances and five goals in the ], seven appearances and six goals in the ].}}
			\| 11
			\| colspan=2\|—
			\| 16
	\| 11		\| 11
	\| 11 February 2009
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|FRA}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 2–0
	\| ]
	\|-		\|-
			!Total
	\| 12
			! 16
	\| 28 March 2009
			! 11
	\| ], ], ]
			! 2
	\| {{fb\|VEN}}
			! 3
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			! 18
	\| align="center" \| 4–0
			! 14
	\| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|rowspan=2\|]{{sfn\|Balagué\|2013\|pp=436–437}}<ref>{{cite web \|last=Saaid \|first=Hamdan \|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tableso/ol2008f-det.html \|title=Games of the XXIX. Olympiad \|publisher=] \|date=12 September 2008 \|access-date=6 August 2024}}</ref>
	\| 13
			\|2008
	\| 14 November 2009
			\|5{{efn\|Appearances in the ].}} \|\| 2 \|\| colspan=2\|— \|\| 5{{efn-lg\|name=U23\|Does not include an ] played on 24 May 2008 in Barcelona between Argentina U23 and the ],<ref>{{Cite web\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527190720/http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/05/24/barcelona/1211658712.html \|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/05/24/barcelona/1211658712.html \|title=La selección catalana pierde ante Argentina (0–1) en un partido marcado por la política \|website=] \|archive-date=27 May 2008 \|date=24 May 2008 \|url-status=live \|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225161247/http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2008/05/25/pagina-18/1396683/pdf.html \|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2008/05/25/pagina-18/1396683/pdf.html \|title=Fiesta y equilibrio \|website=] \|page=18 \|archive-date=25 December 2022 \|date=25 May 2008 \|url-status=live \|language=es}}</ref> as Catalonia is not affiliated with either ] or ] as a ] and is therefore not allowed to participate in official competitions.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hawkey \|first=Ian \|title=Catalonia and Basque Country reignite call for independent national football identities \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/10541466/Catalonia-and-Basque-Country-reignite-call-for-independent-national-football-identities.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228184034/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/10541466/Catalonia-and-Basque-Country-reignite-call-for-independent-national-football-identities.html \|archive-date=28 December 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|url-status=live \|website=] \|date=30 December 2013 \|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref>}}
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 2
	\| {{fb\|ESP}}
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–1
	\| align="center" \| 1–2
	\| rowspan="5" \| ]
	\|-		\|-
			!Total
	\| 14
			! 5
	\| 7 September 2010
			! 2
	\| ], ], ]
			! 0
	\| {{fb\|ESP}}
			! 0
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			! 5
	\| align="center" \| 4–1
			! 2
	\|-		\|-
			\|rowspan=21\|]<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/messi-intlg.html \|title=Lionel Andrés Messi – Century of International Appearances \|last=Mamrud \|first=Roberto \|publisher=] \|date=26 August 2024 \|access-date=24 September 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924102628/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/messi-intlg.html \|archive-date=24 September 2024 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Messi: Player Profile \|publisher=ESPN FC \|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/45843/lionel-messi \|access-date=9 September 2015 \|archive-date=11 October 2018 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011072031/http://www.espnfc.com/player/45843/lionel-messi \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	\| 15
			\|scope=row\|2005
	\| 17 November 2010
			\| 3{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 0
	\| {{fb\|BRA}}
			\| 2
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			\| 0
	\| align="center" \| 1–0
			\| 5
			\| 0
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2006
	\| 16
			\| 3{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| 9 February 2011
			\| 1
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 4
	\| {{fb\|POR}}
			\| 1
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–1
			\| 7
	\| align="center" \| 2–1
			\| 2
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2007
	\| 17
			\| 10{{efn\|Six appearances and two goals in ], four appearances and two goals in ].}}
	\| 20 June 2011
			\| 4
	\| rowspan="2" \| ], ], ]
			\| 4
	\| {{fb\|ALB}}
			\| 2
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
			\| 14
	\| align="center" \| 4–0
			\| 6
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2008
	\| 18
			\| 6{{efn\|name=WCQ10\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| 7 October 2011
			\| 1
	\| {{fb\|CHI}}
			\| 2
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
			\| 1
	\| align="center" \| 4–1
			\| 8
	\| rowspan="2" \| ]
			\| 2
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2009
	\| 19
			\| 8{{efn\|name=WCQ10}}
	\| 15 November 2011
			\| 1
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 2
	\| {{fb\|COL}}
			\| 2
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–1
			\| 10
	\| align="center" \| 2–1
			\| 3
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2010
	\| 20
			\| 5{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| rowspan="3" \| 29 February 2012
			\| 0
	\| rowspan="3" \| ], ], ]
			\| 5
	\| rowspan="3" \| {{fb\|SUI}}
			\| 2
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			\| 10
	\| rowspan="3" align="center" \| 3–1
			\| 2
	\| rowspan="3" \| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2011
	\| 21
			\| 8{{efn\|Four appearances in ], four appearances and two goals in ].}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–1
			\| 2
			\| 5
			\| 2
			\| 13
			\| 4
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2012
	\| 22
			\| 5{{efn\|name=WCQ14\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| align="center" \| '''3'''–1
			\| 5
			\| 4
			\| 7
			\| 9
			\| 12
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2013
	\| 23
			\| 5{{efn\|name=WCQ14}}
	\| 2 June 2012
			\| 3
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 2
	\| {{fb\|ECU}}
			\| 3
	\| align="center" \| '''3'''–0
			\| 7
	\| align="center" \| 4–0
			\| 6
	\| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2014
	\| 24
			\| 7{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| rowspan="3" \| 9 June 2012
			\| 4
	\| rowspan="3" \| ], ], ]
			\| 7
	\| rowspan="3" \| {{fb\|BRA}}
			\| 4
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–1
			\| 14
	\| rowspan="3" align="center" \| 4–3
			\| 8
	\| rowspan="4" \| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2015
	\| 25
			\| 6{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–1
			\| 1
			\| 2
			\| 3
			\| 8
			\| 4
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2016
	\| 26
			\| 10{{efn\|Five appearances and three goals in ], five appearances and five goals in ].}}
	\| align="center" \| '''4'''–3
			\| 8
			\| 1
			\| 0
			\| 11
			\| 8
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2017
	\| 27
			\| 5{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| 15 August 2012
			\| 4
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 2
	\| {{fb\|GER}}
			\| 0
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
			\| 7
	\| align="center" \| 3–1
			\| 4
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2018
	\| 28
			\| 4{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| 7 September 2012
			\| 1
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 1
	\| {{fb\|PAR}}
			\| 3
	\| align="center" \| '''3'''–1
			\| 5
	\| align="center" \| 3–1
			\| 4
	\| rowspan="5" \| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2019
	\| 29
			\| 6{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| rowspan="2" \| 12 October 2012
			\| 1
	\| rowspan="2" \| ], ], ]
			\| 4
	\| rowspan="2" \| {{fb\|URU}}
			\| 4
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			\| 10
	\| rowspan="2" align="center" \| 3–0
			\| 5
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2020
	\| 30
			\| 4{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| align="center" \| '''3'''–0
			\| 1
			\|colspan=2\| —
			\| 4
			\| 1
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2021
	\| 31
			\| 16{{efn\|Nine appearances and five goals in ], seven appearances and four goals in ].}}
	\| 16 October 2012
			\| 9
	\| ], ], ]
			\|colspan=2\| —
	\| {{fb\|CHI}}
			\| 16
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			\| 9
	\| align="center" \| 2–1
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2022
	\| 32
			\| 10{{efn\|Two appearances and one goal in ], one appearance in ], seven appearances and seven goals in ].}}
	\| 22 March 2013
			\| 8
	\| ], ], ]
			\| 4
	\| {{fb\|VEN}}
			\| 10
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
			\| 14
	\| align="center" \| 3–0
			\| 18
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2023
	\| 33
			\| 5{{efn\|Appearances in ].}}
	\| rowspan="3" \| 14 June 2013
			\| 3
	\| rowspan="3" \| ], ], ]
			\| 3
	\| rowspan="3" \| {{fb\|GUA}}
			\| 5
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
			\| 8
	\| rowspan="3" align="center" \| 4–0
			\| 8
	\| rowspan="3" \| ]
	\|-		\|-
			\|scope=row\|2024
	\| 34
			\| 9{{efn\|Five appearances and one goal in ], four appearances and three goals in ].}}
	\| align="center" \| '''3'''–0
	\|-		\| 4
	\| 35		\| 2
			\| 2
	\| align="center" \| '''4'''–0
	\|-		\| 11
	\| 36		\| 6
	\| rowspan="2" \| 10 September 2013
	\| rowspan="2" \| ], ], ]
	\| rowspan="2" \| {{fb\|PAR}}
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
	\| rowspan="2" align="center" \| 5–2
	\| rowspan="2" \| ]
	\|-
	\| 37
	\| align="center" \| '''4'''–1
	\|-
	\| 38
	\| 7 June 2014
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|SVN}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 2–0
	\| ]
	\|-
	\| 39
	\| 15 June 2014
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|BIH}}
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 2–1
	\| rowspan="4" \| ]
	\|-
	\| 40
	\| 21 June 2014
	\| ], ], ]
	\| {{fb\|IRN}}
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
	\| align="center" \| 1–0
	\|-
	\| 41
	\| rowspan="2" \| 25 June 2014
	\| rowspan="2" \| ], ], ]
	\| rowspan="2" \| {{fb\|NGA}}
	\| align="center" \| '''1'''–0
	\| rowspan="2" align="center" \| 3–2
	\|-
	\| 42
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–1
	\|-
	\| 43
	\| rowspan="2" \| 14 October 2014
	\| rowspan="2" \| ], ], ]
	\| rowspan="2" \| {{fb\|HKG}}
	\| align="center" \| '''5'''–0
	\| rowspan="2" align="center" \| 7–0
	\| rowspan="3" \| ]
	\|-		\|-
			!scope=row\|Total
	\| 44
			! 135
	\| align="center" \| '''7'''–0
			! 61
			! 56
			! 51
			! 191
			! 112
	\|-		\|-
			!colspan=2\|Career total
	\| 45
			! 156
	\| 12 November 2014
			! 74
	\| ], ], ]
			! 58
	\| {{fb\|CRO}}
			! 54
	\| align="center" \| '''2'''–1
			! 213
	\| align="center" \| 2–1
			! 128
	\|}		\|}
			{{notelist}}

	==Honours==		== Honours ==
			{{For\|a comprehensive listing of Messi's achievements\|List of career achievements by Lionel Messi}}
			]) pictured with future teammate ] (Bronze Ball winner) at the conclusion of the ].]]

			'''Barcelona'''<ref name="BarcelonaHonours" /><ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="ElGrafico" />
	===Club===
			* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
	;Barcelona<ref name="Achievements"/>
	*]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ]		* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
			* ]:{{refn\|group=note\|name=2005Supercopa}}<!-- the 2005 trophy should not be added. see consensus: ],_2005)_if_they_weren't_called_up_but_are_still_credited_with_the_title_by_the_club?--> ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ]
			* ]: ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ], ]		* ]: ], ], ]
	*]: ], ]		* ]: ], ], ]
	*]: ], ]

			'''Paris Saint-Germain'''<ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="ElGrafico" />
	===International===
			* ]: ], ]
	;Argentina<ref name="Achievements">. FC Barcelona.com. Retrieved 23 December 2014</ref>
			* ]: ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ]

			'''Inter Miami'''<ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="MLS.com" /><ref name="ElGrafico" />
	===Individual===
			*]: ]
	;Personal<ref name="Achievements"/>
			*]: ]
	*]: ], ], ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ]
	*]: 2009, 2011, 2012
	*]: 2013
	*]: 2009, 2011, 2012
	*]: 2010, 2012, 2013
	*]: ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ], ]
	*]: ], ], ], ]
	*]: 2011
	*]: 2011
	*]: ]<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20worldcup/netherlands2005/awards/index.html\|title=AWARDS\|accessdate=2 February 2015\|publisher=FIFA.com}}</ref>
	*]: ]
	*]: ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ], ]
	*]: 2010, 2012, 2013
	*]: ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ], ]
	*] Young Player of the Year: ], ], ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ], ], ]
	*]: ]
	*] King of European Soccer: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012<ref>{{cite web \|title=Leo Messi y Vicente Del Bosque elegidos como 'Reyes de Europa' \|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2012/12/30/primera/1356877647_256448.html \|publisher=Futbol.as.com \|date=30 December 2012 \|accessdate=31 December 2012 }}</ref>
	*] World's Top Goal Scorer: 2011, 2012<ref>{{cite web\|title=IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer 2011\|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?388d85ff0e003c4f05e91a55285fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb8a711\|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref>
	*] World's best Top Division Goal Scorer: 2012<ref>{{cite web\|title=IFFHS World's best Top Division Goal Scorer 2012\|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?d85f94e8378cf047b0f02f08f07785fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aeedb88388213\|accessdate=31 December 2012}}</ref>
	*]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ]
	*]: ], ]
	*]: ]
	*]: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
	*]: ]<ref>{{cite web\|title=adidas Golden Ball\|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=5/news=adidas-golden-ball-2336453.html\|accessdate=16 February 2015}}</ref>
	*]: ]<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/games/dream-team/index.html \| title = The Dream Team \| publisher = FIFA.com \| accessdate = 17 August 2014}}</ref>

			'''Argentina U20'''<ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="ElGrafico" />
	===Records===
			* ]: ]
	{{updated\|24 March 2015}}
	<!-- Please provide references for the records. -->

			'''Argentina U23'''<ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="ElGrafico" />
	====World====
			* ]: ]
	* Most ] awards: 4<ref name="Ballon_Dor_2012">{{cite news\|title=Messi, Wambach, del Bosque and Sundhage triumph at FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012\|url=http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/media/newsid=1981449/index.html\|publisher=FIFA.com\|accessdate=7 January 2013}}</ref>
	* ] title for the most goals in a year (2012): 91 goals (96 goals including club friendlies)<ref>{{cite web\|title=Barcelona star Lionel Messi sets new goal-scoring record\|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2012/12/barcelona-star-lionel-messi-sets-new-goalscoring-record-46285/\|publisher=Guinness World Records\|accessdate=13 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="FCBarcelona.com">{{cite news\|title=Leo Messi's world and european records with F.C. Barcelona \|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-s-world-and-european-records-with-fc-barcelona\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com\|date=22 November 2014}}</ref>
	* Most international goals in a calendar year (2012): 25 (shared with ] and ])<ref name="Barca Records"/>
	* Youngest two-time/three-time/four-time ] winner: 23/24/25 years<ref>{{cite news\|title=14 facts about the FIFA Ballon d'Or\|url=http://m.fifa.com/ballon-dor/news/y=2013/m=10/news=14-facts-about-the-fifa-ballon-d-or-2195659.html\|publisher=FIFA.com\|date=22 September 2014}}</ref>
	* Most ]: 2 (],<ref>{{cite news\|title=FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009: Awards\|url=http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/uae2009/awards/index.html\|publisher=FIFA.com}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite news\|title=FIFA Club World Cup JAPAN 2011: Awards\|url=http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2011/awards/index.html\|publisher=FIFA.com}}</ref>) <ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi, el astro rey\|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/messi-astro-rey-1279170\|publisher=Sport.es\|date=20 December 2011}}</ref>
	* Most appearances in the top 3 candidates for the ]: 8 times (2007-2014)<ref>{{cite news\|title=Bartomeu hails Messi's eight-year Ballon d'Or record\|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277/la-liga/2014/12/01/6691481/bartomeu-hails-messis-eight-year-ballon-dor-record\|publisher=Goal.com\|date=1 December 2014}}</ref>
	* Most appearances in the ]: 8 times (2007-2014) (shared with ])<ref>{{cite news\|title=The Ballon d’Or trio's remarkable records\|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/3869/fifa-ballon-dor/2015/01/12/7882562/ronaldos-54-goals-messis-21-assists-neuers-28-clean-sheets\|publisher=Goal.com\|date=12 January 2015}}</ref>

			'''Argentina'''<ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="ElGrafico" />
	====Europe====
			* ]: ]
	* Most goals scored in a season (club): ]<ref name=goals_73>{{cite news\|title=Messi ends season with 82 goals\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-ends-season-with-82-goals\|accessdate=9 December 2012\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref>
			* ]: ], ]
	* Most goals scored in a year (club): 79 goals<ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi ends 2012 with 91 goals\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/season/2012-2013/messi-ends-2012-with-91-goals\|accessdate=2 September 2013\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref>
			* ]: ]
	* Most UEFA Champions League ] awards: ] (shared with ])<ref name=CL_Top_Scorer>{{cite news\|title=Record-breaking Messi takes top scorer honour\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1795767.html\|publisher=UEFA.com\|accessdate=2 September 2013}}</ref>
	* Most consecutive ] top scorer awards: ]<ref name=CL_Top_Scorer />
	* Most ] in UEFA Champions League: ]<ref name=four_hat_tricks />
	* Highest scorer in a ] game - shared with ]: ]<ref>{{cite news\|title=Five-goal Messi leaves Leverkusen spellbound\|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000264/match=2007677/postmatch/report/index.html\|publisher=UEFA.com\|accessdate=20 September 2013}}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in the ]: ] (shared with ])<ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Champions League record\|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/alltime_goalgetter/champions-league/tore/1/\|accessdate=24 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=UEFA Champions League All time leading scorers\|url=http://www.statbunker.com/alltimestats/AllTimeLeadingScorers?comp_code=UCL\|accessdate=24 May 2015}}</ref>

			'''Individual'''
	====Argentina====
			* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]{{refn\|group=note\|name=BDOFIFA}}
	*Most goals scored in a year (national team): 12 goals (shared with ])<ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi finally conjures up his goal-scoring magic for Argentina in 2012\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/11/16/messi-finally-conjures-up-his-goal-scoring-magic-for-argentina-in-2012/\|accessdate=9 December 2012\|publisher=FoxNews.com\|date=16 November 2012}}</ref>
			* ]/]/]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]{{refn\|group=note\|name=BDOFIFA}}
	* Youngest player that have scored a goal at the ]: 18 years and 357 days old (])<ref>{{cite news\|title=Argentina 6-0 Serbia & Montenegro\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853028.stm\|publisher=BBC.com\|date=16 June 2006}}</ref>
			* ]: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19<ref name="SixthGoldenShoe" /><ref>{{cite web \|last=Pettigrove \|first=Jason \|title=A Sixth Golden Shoe Sees Lionel Messi Stand Alone \|date=16 October 2019 \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonpettigrove/2019/10/16/a-sixth-golden-shoe-sees-lionel-messi-stand-alone/ \|website=] \|issn=0015-6914 \|access-date=10 June 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019004931/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonpettigrove/2019/10/16/a-sixth-golden-shoe-sees-lionel-messi-stand-alone/ \|archive-date=19 October 2019 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in ]: 24
			* ]: ], ]<ref name="FIFAHonours" /><ref name="Reuters">{{Cite web \|editor1=Toby Davis \|editor2=Ed Osmond \|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/lionel-messi-argentina-players-world-cup-goals-stats-career-highlights-2022-12-16/ \|title=Argentina's Lionel Messi: World Cup goals, stats and career highlights \|work=] \|date=18 December 2022 \|access-date=5 February 2023 \|archive-date=5 February 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205112252/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/lionel-messi-argentina-players-world-cup-goals-stats-career-highlights-2022-12-16/ \|url-status=live}}</ref>
	* Most goals scored, alongside ], in all ]: 11 goals (14 goals including friendlies)
			* ]: ]
	* Most goals scored in one ] (]): 10<ref>{{cite news\|title=Guide to World Cup Group F\|url=http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/25157026\|publisher=BBC.com\|date=23 May 2014}}</ref>
			* ]: ], ]<ref name="FIFAHonours" />
			* ]: ]<ref name="FIFAHonours" />
			* ]: ]<ref name="FIFAHonours" />
			* ]: ]
			* ]: ], ]
			* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ]
			* ]: ], ]
			* ]: ]
			* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ],<ref name="Honours">{{Cite news \|first=Paul M. \|last=Otero \|title=Palmarés de un Genio: El Coleccionista de Trofeos \|trans-title=Honours of a Genius: The Collector of Trophies \|newspaper=Marca \|location=Spain \|date=12 November 2013 \|language=es \|url=http://www.marca.com/accesible/2013/11/12/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1384256483.html \|access-date=13 September 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328162523/https://www.marca.com/accesible/2013/11/12/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1384256483.html \|archive-date=28 March 2019 \|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MessiBest">{{Cite web \|title=Messi, Mejor Delantero y Mejor Jugador \|trans-title=Messi, Best Forward and Best Player \|publisher=Liga de Fútbol Profesional \|language=es \|date=2 December 2013 \|url=https://www.ligabbva.com/liga-bbva/126953/messi-mejor-delantero-y-mejor-jugador-cristiano-jugador-mas-valioso/ \|access-date=13 September 2015 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208113604/https://www.ligabbva.com/liga-bbva/126953/messi-mejor-delantero-y-mejor-jugador-cristiano-jugador-mas-valioso/ \|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="2014–15BBVA">{{Cite web \|title=Lionel Messi, 2014–15 Liga BBVA Best Player \|publisher=Liga de Fútbol Profesional \|date=30 November 2015 \|url=http://www.laliga.es/en/noticias/lionel-messi-201415-liga-bbva-best-player \|access-date=8 January 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322140218/https://www.laliga.es/en/noticias/lionel-messi-201415-liga-bbva-best-player \|archive-date=22 March 2019 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Messi Beats Cristiano Ronaldo To La Liga Best Player Award \|website=soccerladuma \|date=19 December 2017 \|url=https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/international/categories/messi-ronaldo-neymar-watch-1/lionel-messi-beats-cristiano-ronaldo-to-la-liga-best-player-award/285797 \|access-date=19 December 2017 \|archive-date=23 September 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923140137/https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/international/messi-ronaldo-neymar-mbappe-watch/lionel-messi-beats-cristiano-ronaldo-to-la-liga-best-player-award-20171219 \|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web \|title=Leo Messi reçoit le Pichichi et MVP de la Liga 2017–18 \|publisher=FC Barcelona \|date=12 November 2018 \|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.fr/fr/photos/913399/leo-messi-recoit-le-pichichi-et-mvp-de-la-liga-2017-18\|access-date=12 November 2018\|archive-date=23 September 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923141051/https://www.fcbarcelona.fr/fr/photos/913399/leo-messi-recoit-le-pichichi-et-mvp-de-la-liga-2017-18\|url-status=live}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web \|title=Lionel Messi wins La Liga best player award for 2018–19 season \|website=barcablaugranes.com \|date=17 December 2019 \|url=https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2019/12/17/21024688/lionel-messi-wins-la-liga-best-player-award-for-2018-19-season\|access-date=17 December 2019\|archive-date=23 September 2023\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923140207/https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2019/12/17/21024688/lionel-messi-wins-la-liga-best-player-award-for-2018-19-season\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last=Pla Diaz \|first=Emilio \|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/spanpoy.html \|title=Spain - Footballer of the Year \|publisher=] \|date=17 January 2024 \|access-date=7 December 2024 \|archive-date=12 November 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112164212/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/spanpoy.html \|url-status=live }}</ref>
			* ]: ]<ref name="MLSMVP">{{cite web \|title=Inter Miami star Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP\|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=6 December 2024 \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-inter-miami-star-lionel-messi-wins-mls-mvp-award/ \|language=en \|access-date=6 December 2024 }}</ref>
			* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
			* ]: 2020,<ref name="Reuters" /> 2023<ref>{{Cite news \|title=Laureus Sport Awards: Lionel Messi & Argentina World Cup team win Laureus awards \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/65528208 \|access-date=9 May 2023 \|work=BBC Sport \|date=8 May 2023 \|archive-date=9 May 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509010437/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/65528208 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* ]: 2020<ref>{{cite news \|last=Crépin \|first=Timothé \|title=Ballon d'Or Dream Team : Découvrez les révélations de ce onze de légende ! \|url=https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Ballon-d-or-dream-team-decouvrez-les-revelations-de-ce-onze-de-legende/1205748 \|publisher=France Football \|language=fr \|date=14 December 2020 \|access-date=14 December 2020 \|archive-date=14 December 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214151520/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Ballon-d-or-dream-team-decouvrez-les-revelations-de-ce-onze-de-legende/1205748 \|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* ]: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/player-influence/world11/lionel-messi-through-the-years-in-the-world-11 \|title=Lionel Messi: World 11 through the years \|publisher=] \|date=15 January 2024 \|access-date=10 March 2024 \|archive-date=15 January 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115205630/https://fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/player-influence/world11/lionel-messi-through-the-years-in-the-world-11 \|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/lionel-messi-world-11-record-the-best \|title=In focus: All Messi's FIFA FIFPRO World 11 inclusions \|publisher=] \|date=15 January 2024 \|access-date=17 June 2024 \|archive-date=17 June 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617095601/https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/articles/lionel-messi-world-11-record-the-best \|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* ]: 2011, 2021, 2022, 2023<ref>{{cite web \|title=Por segunda vez en la historia, el Olimpia de Oro fue compartido: Lionel Messi y Belén Casetta fueron galardonados por su 2023 \|url=https://www.clarin.com/deportes/segunda-vez-historia-olimpia-oro-compartido-lionel-messi-belen-casetta-galardonados-2023_0_Axogp5m7qI.html \|website=] \|language=es \|date=20 December 2023 \|access-date=8 January 2024 \|archive-date=8 January 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108173724/https://www.clarin.com/deportes/segunda-vez-historia-olimpia-oro-compartido-lionel-messi-belen-casetta-galardonados-2023_0_Axogp5m7qI.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* ]: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023<ref name="Honours" /><ref name="Reuters" /><ref>{{cite web \|title=Belén Casetta compartió el Olimpia de Oro con Lionel Messi \|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/espn-run/nota/_/id/13015543/belen-casetta-compartio-el-olimpia-de-oro-con-lionel-messi \|language=es \|access-date=21 December 2023 \|publisher=ESPN Deportes \|date=20 December 2023 \|archive-date=20 December 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220182339/https://espndeportes.espn.com/espn-run/nota/_/id/13015543/belen-casetta-compartio-el-olimpia-de-oro-con-lionel-messi \|url-status=live}}</ref>

			'''Orders'''
	====Spain====
			* ] ], ] (30 April 2019)<ref>{{cite news \|last=Tort\| first=Àlex \|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/fc-barcelona/20190430/461968491621/leo-messi-creu-de-sant-jordi-generalitat.html \|language=es \|date=30 April 2019\| title=La Generalitat otorga la Creu de Sant Jordi a Messi\| publisher=]\| access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in ] history: ]<ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi breaks record as FC Barcelona take down Sevilla by the horns\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/match-archive/2014-2015/league/round-12/fc-barcelona_sevilla-fc\|accessdate=22 November 2014\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref>
			* ] ], ] (4 January 2025)<ref name="PMOF" /><ref>{{cite news\| url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/43282285/magic-johnson-lionel-messi-receive-presidential-medal-freedom\| date=4 January 2025\| title=Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi get Presidential Medal of Freedom\| publisher=ESPN\| access-date=4 January 2025}}</ref>
	* Most assists made in ] history<ref name="most la liga assists" /><ref>{{cite web\|title=Messi también es leyenda en el ranking histórico de asistencias\|trans_title=Messi is also a legend in the historical assist ranking\|url=http://www.ligabbva.com/2544_liga-bbva/2958603_messi-tambien-es-leyenda-en-el-ranking-historico-de-asistencias.html\|publisher=La Liga BBVA\|accessdate=24 May 2015\|language=Spanish\|date=19 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=In numbers: All Lionel Messi's milestones and records after his hat-trick against Levante\|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/in-numbers--all-lionel-messi-s-milestones-and-records-on-a-famous-evening-for-barcelona-202300176.html\|publisher=Euro Sport\|accessdate=12 May 2015\|date=15 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|first=Dermot \|last=Corrigan \|title=Messi notches assist record; Suarez 'very happy' at Barca, says Luis Enrique \|url=http://www.espnfc.us/spanish-primera-division/story/2300728/messi-notches-assist-record \|publisher=ESPN FC \|date=15 February 2015 \|accessdate=12 May 2015 }}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in ] in a season: ]<ref>{{cite news\|title=50 La Liga goals for Messi\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/50-la-liga-goals-for-messi\|accessdate=2 September 2013\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref>
	* Most consecutive ] matches scored in: ]<ref name=21_match_streak />
	* Most ] hat-tricks in a season (co-record): ] (shared with ])<ref name="breaking records year">{{cite news\|title=Lionel Messi's incredible record-breaking year in numbers\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/dec/10/lionel-messi-record-year-numbers\|publisher=TheGuardian.com\|date=10 December 2012}}</ref>
	* Youngest player to score 200 ] goals: 25 years<ref>{{cite news\|title=Messi youngest to score 200 goals in La Liga\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2013/01/27/roundup-lionel-messi-youngest-to-200-goals-la-liga/1868865/\|publisher=USA Today \|date=27 January 2013 }}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in ]: 21<ref name="Messi El Clasico Records">{{cite web\|title=Messi El Classico records\|url=http://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/more-sports/magical-messi-uefa-champions-leagues-top-goal-scorer/ss-BBfTrrQ#image=6\|publisher=msn.com\|accessdate=25 November 2014}}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in ] matches: 12 goals<ref name="marca.com"/>
	* Most ] in ] history: 80<ref>{{cite news\|title=Football news in brief: Another record for Messi.\|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/25/football-news-in-brief\|publisher=TheGuardian.com\|date=25 January 2015}}</ref>
	* Most goals scored in the ]: 10 goals<ref name="breaking records year" />

			== See also ==
	* Only top goalscorer and top assists supplier in the same league season: 2011/12 (50 goals and 15 assists)<ref name="FCBarcelona.com" />
			{{Portal\|portal\|Association football\|Argentina\|Biography}}
			{{div col}}
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
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			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
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			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			{{div col end}}

			== Notes ==
	* First player to score in every game for half of ] season (2012/13): 30 goals (in 19 consecutive Matches)<ref name="FCBarcelona.com" />
			<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" /><div class="reflist reflist-upper-alpha"><references group="upper-alpha" /></div>
			<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" /><div class="reflist reflist-note"><references group="note" /></div>
			<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" /><div class="reflist reflist-lower-greek"><references group="lower-greek" /></div>

			== References ==
	* Highest goalscoring average in a ] Season (2012/2013): 1,44 goals/game (46 goals in 32 matches)
			<references />
	* Most Home goals ] (2011/12): 35 goals (in 19 Home matches)<ref name="FCBarcelona.com" />
	* Most Away goals ] (2012/13): 24 goals (in 19 Away matches)<ref name="FCBarcelona.com" />
	* Most Away matches scored in, ] (2012/13): 15 games<ref name="FCBarcelona.com" />
	* ] in a season (2012/13): 19 (shared with ] and ])<ref name="Leo Messi's record-breaking run">{{cite web\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-s-record-breaking-run-continues-becomes-first-player-to-score-against-19-opponents-consecutively \|title=Leo Messi's record-breaking run \|publisher=fcbarcelona.com \|date=30 March 2013 \|accessdate=21 May 2015}}</ref>

			'''Bibliography'''
	====Barcelona====
			<templatestyles src="Refbegin/styles.css" /><div class="refbegin">
			* {{cite book \|title=Messi \|last=Balagué \|first=Guillem \|authorlink=Guillem Balagué \|date=2013 \|publisher=] \|isbn=978-1-4091-4659-9 \|url-access=registration \|url=https://archive.org/details/messibiography0000bala}}
			* {{cite book \|title=Messi: The Inside Story of the Boy Who Became a Legend \|last=Caioli \|first=Luca \|date=2012 \|publisher=Corinthian Books \|isbn=978-1-906850-40-1}}
			* {{cite book \|title=Messi: More than a Superstar \|last=Caioli \|first=Luca \|date=2015 \|publisher=] \|isbn=978-1-906850-91-3}}
			* {{cite book \|title=Guinness World Records 2015 \|url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_f8z3 \|url-access=registration \|date=2014 \|publisher=] \|isbn=978-1-908843-65-4 \|ref={{harvid\|Guinness World Records\|2014}}}}
			* {{cite book \|title=Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World \|last=Hunter \|first=Graham \|date=2012 \|publisher=BackPage Press \|isbn=978-0-9564971-8-5}}
			* {{cite book \|title=A History of the World Cup: 1930–2010 \|last=Lisi \|first=Clemente Angelo \|date=2011 \|publisher=] \|isbn=978-0-8108-7754-2 \|url-access=registration \|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofworldcu0000lisi_v7i5}}
			* {{cite book \|title=Above Us Only Sky: Liverpool FC's Global Revolution \|last=Tomkins \|first=Paul \|date=2007 \|publisher=Anchor Print Group \|isbn=978-0-9556367-0-7}}
			</div>

			== External links ==
	* Top goalscorer in Barcelona history: 425<ref name="Barca Records">{{cite web\|title=Messi Barca records\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/the-honours/detail/card/fc-barcelona-individual-records\|publisher=fcbarcelona.com\|accessdate=2 June 2014}}</ref>
			{{Sister project links\|c=Category:Lionel Messi\|b=no\|d=yes\|n=yes\|s=no\|v=no\|wikt=no}}
	* Top goalscorer in official competitions: 397<ref name="Barca Records"/>
			* {{Official website}}
	* Top goalscorer in La Liga: 275<ref name="Barca Records"/>
			<!-- Per ], choose one official website only -->
	* Top scorer in international competitions: 80<ref name="Barca Records"/>
			* at ]
	* Most hat-tricks in Barcelona history: 32<ref name="spanish hat-tricks"/>
			* at ]
	* Most La Liga hat-tricks overall: 24 <ref name="spanish hat-tricks"/>
			* at ]
	* Most away goals scored in Barcelona history in ]: 120 goals<ref name=away_goals_record>{{cite news\|title=Leo Messi breaks more records at Mestalla\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-breaks-more-records-at-mestalla\|accessdate=2 September 2013\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com}}</ref><ref name="Most away goals in La Liga">{{cite news\|title=F.C. Barcelona's 500th road win in La Liga\|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/fc-barcelona-s-500th-road-win-in-la-liga\|publisher=FCBarcelona.com\|date=8 February 2015}}</ref>
			* at ]
			* at ]
			* at ]
			* {{BDFutbol}}
			* {{Soccerbase}}
			* {{Soccerway}}
			* {{NFT player}}
			* {{FIFA player}}
			* {{UEFA player}}

			{{s-start}}
	==See also==
			{{s-sports}}
	{{Portal\|Biography\|Association football\|Argentina}}
			{{succession box\|title=] captain\|before=]\|after= ]\|years=2018–2021}}
	*]
	{{~~Clear~~}}		{{s-end}}

	==Notes==
	{{Reflist\|group=note}}

	==References==
	{{reflist\|30em}}

			{{Inter Miami CF squad}}
	==External links==
			{{#invoke:navboxes\|top
	{{Commons category}}
			\| title = Argentina squads
	*{{Official website\|http://www.leomessi.com/}} {{ca icon}} {{en icon}} {{es icon}}
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	{{FC Barcelona squad}}
	{{Navboxes colour
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	{{Argentina squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}		{{Argentina squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
	{{Argentina squad 2007 Copa América}}		{{Argentina squad 2007 Copa América}}
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	{{Argentina squad 2011 Copa América}}		{{Argentina squad 2011 Copa América}}
	{{Argentina squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}		{{Argentina squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
			{{Argentina squad 2015 Copa América}}
			{{Argentina squad Copa América Centenario}}
			{{Argentina squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
			{{Argentina squad 2019 Copa América}}
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	\|list1=
			{{Copa América Centenario Team of the Tournament}}
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			{{2021 Copa América Team of the Tournament}}
	{{s-ach}}
			{{2024 Copa América Team of the Tournament}}
	{{succession box \|title=] \|before=] \|after=''Incumbent'' \|years=2006, 2007, 2008 }}
			{{FIFA World Cup Golden Ball}}
	{{succession box \|title=] \|before=] \|after=] \|years=2007, 2008 }}
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	{{succession box \|title=] \|before=] \|after=''Incumbent'' \|years=], ], ], ] \|after=]}}
			{{Finalissima winning captains}}
	{{succession box \|title='']'' \|before=] \|after=] \|years=2011 }}
			{{Copa América top scorers}}
	{{succession box \|title=] \|before=] \|after=] (female)<br />] (male) \|years=2011 }}
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	{{succession box \|title=] \|before=] \|after=]\|years=2011 }}
			{{Copa América winning captains}}
	{{succession box \|title=] \|before=] \|after=] \|years=2012 }}
			{{FIFA U-20 World Cup awards}}
	{{S-end}}
	{{FIFA World Player of the Year winners}}
	{{Ballon d'Or recipients}}		{{Ballon d'Or recipients}}
	{{FIFA ~~Ballon~~ ~~d'Or~~ ~~recipients~~}}		{{FIFA Player of the Year}}
	{{~~World~~ ~~Soccer Footballer~~ of the ~~Year~~}}		{{FourFourTwo player of the year}}
			{{Globe Soccer Awards best Player}}
			{{IFFHS World's Best Player}}
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	{{La Liga top scorers}}		{{La Liga top scorers}}
			{{FIFA Club World Cup top scorers}}
	{{Copa del Rey top scorers}}		{{Copa del Rey top scorers}}
			{{Leagues Cup top scorers}}
	{{European Golden Shoe}}
	{{~~UEFA~~ ~~Champions~~ ~~League~~ ~~top~~ ~~scorers~~}}		{{2007 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}
	{{FIFA ~~World~~ ~~Cup Golden~~ ~~Ball~~}}		{{2008 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}
	{{~~2014~~ FIFA World ~~Cup Team of the Tournament~~}}		{{2009 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}
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	{{Persondata
	\| NAME = Messi, Lionel
	\| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Messi Cuccittini, Lionel Andrés
	\| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Argentine footballer
	\| DATE OF BIRTH = 24 June 1987
	\| PLACE OF BIRTH = Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
	\| DATE OF DEATH =
	\| PLACE OF DEATH =
	}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Messi, Lionel}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Messi, Lionel}}
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Latest revision as of 08:24, 18 January 2025

Argentine footballer (born 1987) "Messi" redirects here. For other uses, see Messi (disambiguation).

Lionel Messi

Messi with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Personal information

Full name

Lionel Andrés Messi

Date of birth

(1987-06-24) 24 June 1987 (age 37)

Place of birth

Rosario, Argentina

Height

1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)

Position(s)

Forward

Team information

Current team

Inter Miami

Number

Youth career

1992–1995

Grandoli

1995–2000

Newell's Old Boys

2000–2004

Barcelona

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

2003–2004

Barcelona C

(5)

2004–2005

Barcelona B

(6)

2004–2021

Barcelona

520

(474)

2021–2023

Paris Saint-Germain

(22)

2023–

Inter Miami

(21)

International career

2004–2005

Argentina U20

(14)

2008

Argentina U23

(2)

2005–

Argentina

191

(112)

Medal record

Men's football

Representing Argentina
FIFA World Cup
Winner	2022 Qatar
Runner-up	2014 Brazil
Copa América
Winner	2021 Brazil
Winner	2024 United States
Runner-up	2007 Venezuela
Runner-up	2015 Chile
Runner-up	2016 United States
	2019 Brazil
Finalissima
Winner	2022 England
Olympic Games
	2008 Beijing	Team
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Winner	2005 Netherlands
South American U-20 Championship
	2005 Colombia

Signature

*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:16, 20 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 08:41, 20 November 2024 (UTC)

This article is part of a series about
Lionel Messi

Argentine professional footballer

Eponyms and public art

Media

Family

Related

Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi] ; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi set numerous records for individual accolades won throughout his professional footballing career such as eight Ballon d'Or awards and eight times being named the world's best player by FIFA. He is the most decorated player in the history of professional football having won 45 team trophies, including twelve Big Five league titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Américas, and one FIFA World Cup. Messi holds the records for most European Golden Shoes (6), most goals for a single club (672, with Barcelona), most goals (474), hat-tricks (36) and assists (192) in La Liga, most matches played (39), assists (18) and goal contributions (34) in the Copa América, most matches played (26) and goal contributions (21) in the World Cup, most international appearances (191) and international goals (112) by a South American male, and the second-most in the latter category outright. A prolific goalscorer and creative playmaker, Messi has scored over 850 senior career goals for club and country.

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi relocated to Spain to join Barcelona at age 13, and made his competitive debut at age 17 in October 2004. He established himself as an integral player for the club within the next three years, and in his first uninterrupted season in 2008–09 helped Barcelona achieve the first treble in Spanish football; that year, aged 22, Messi won the first of his four consecutive Ballons d'Or, the first player to win it four times. During the 2011–12 season, he set La Liga and European records for most goals in a season, while establishing himself as Barcelona's all-time top scorer. The following two seasons, he finished second for the Ballon d'Or behind Cristiano Ronaldo, his perceived career rival, before regaining his best form during the 2014–15 campaign, where he became the all-time top scorer in La Liga, led Barcelona to a historic second treble, and won a fifth Ballon d'Or in 2015. Messi assumed captaincy of Barcelona in 2018, and won a record sixth Ballon d'Or in 2019. During his overall tenure at Barcelona, Messi won a club-record 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues, among others. He signed for French club Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, where he would win the Ligue 1 title during both of his seasons there. Messi joined American club Inter Miami in July 2023, and set a new mark for most goals scored for the club by his second season.

An Argentine international, Messi is the national team's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player. His style of play as a diminutive, left-footed dribbler drew career-long comparisons with compatriot Diego Maradona, who described Messi as his successor. At the youth level, he won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. After his senior debut in 2005, Messi became the youngest Argentine to play and score in a World Cup in 2006. He assumed the national team's captaincy in 2011, and then led Argentina to three consecutive finals: the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Copa América and the Copa América Centenario, all of which they would lose. After initially announcing his international retirement in 2016, he returned to help his country narrowly qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which they would again exit early. Messi and the national team finally broke Argentina's 28-year trophy drought with a victory in the 2021 Copa América, where he was named the tournament's best player and which later helped him win his seventh Ballon d'Or that year. He then led Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his country's third overall world championship and first in 36 years. This followed with a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023. A second Copa América victory with Messi as captain came in 2024.

Messi has endorsed sportswear company Adidas since 2006. According to France Football, he was the world'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 and 2022. Messi was among Time's 100 most influential people in the world in 2011, 2012, and 2023. In 2020 and 2023, he was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, the first team-sport athlete to win it. In 2020, Messi was named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team and became the second footballer and second team-sport athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.

Early life

Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, the third of four children of Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and his wife Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. On his father's side, he is of Italian and Spanish descent, the great-grandson of immigrants from the north-central Adriatic Marche region of Italy, and on his mother's side, he has primarily Italian ancestry. Growing up in a tight-knit, football-loving family, "Leo" developed a passion for the sport from an early age, playing constantly with his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and his cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom became professional footballers. At the age of four he joined local club Grandoli, where he was coached by his father, though his earliest influence as a player came from his maternal grandmother, Celia, who accompanied him to training and matches. He was greatly affected by her death, shortly before his eleventh birthday; since then, as a devout Catholic, he has celebrated his goals by looking up and pointing to the sky in tribute to his grandmother.

Youth career

Newell's Old Boys (1995–2000)

"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 youth coach Adrián Coria shares his first impression of the 12-year-old Messi.

A lifelong supporter of Newell's Old Boys, Messi joined the Rosario club when he was seven years old. During the six years he played for Newell's, he scored almost 500 goals as a member of "The Machine of '87", the near-unbeatable youth side named for the year of their birth, and regularly entertained crowds by performing ball tricks during half-time of the first team's home games. His goalscoring idol growing up was Brazilian striker Ronaldo, with Messi calling him "the best forward I've ever seen".

However, his future as a professional player was threatened when, aged 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. As his father's health insurance covered only two years of growth hormone therapy, which cost at least $1,000 per month, Newell's agreed to contribute, but later reneged on their promise. He was scouted by Buenos Aires club River Plate, whose playmaker Pablo Aimar he idolised. It was speculated that he failed to sign with River Plate due to his ill health; however, in a 2019 interview, Messi revealed that River Plate had offered to pay for his medical treatment after he scored four goals at a trial. River wanted to sign him, but Newell's Old Boys, who had refused to pay for his treatment, also refused to release his player card, preventing the transfer.

Barcelona (2000–2004)

As the Messi family had relatives in Catalonia, they sought to arrange a trial with Barcelona in September 2000. First team director Charly Rexach immediately wanted to sign him, but the board of directors hesitated; at the time it was highly unusual for European clubs to sign foreign players of such a young age. On 14 December, an ultimatum was issued for Barcelona to prove their commitment, and Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered a contract on a paper napkin. In February 2001, the family relocated to Barcelona, where they moved into an apartment near the club's stadium, Camp Nou. During his first year in Spain, Messi rarely played with the Infantiles due to a transfer conflict with Newell's; as a foreigner, he could only be fielded in friendlies and the Catalan league. Without football, he struggled to integrate into the team; already reserved by nature, he was so quiet that his teammates initially believed he was mute. At home, he suffered from homesickness after his mother moved back to Rosario with his brothers and little sister, María Sol, while he stayed in Barcelona with his father.

After a year at Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, Messi was finally 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. After completing his growth hormone therapy aged 14, Messi became an integral part of the "Baby Dream Team", Barcelona's greatest-ever youth side. During his first full season (2002–03), he was top scorer with 36 goals in 30 games for the Cadetes A, who won an unprecedented treble of the league and both the Spanish and Catalan cups. The Copa Catalunya final, a 4–1 victory over Espanyol, became known in club lore as the partido de la máscara, the final of the mask. A week after suffering a broken cheekbone during a league match, Messi was allowed to start the game on the condition that he wear a plastic protector; soon hindered by the mask, he took it off and scored two goals in 10 minutes before his substitution. At the close of the season, he received an offer to join Arsenal, his first from a foreign club, but while Fàbregas and Piqué soon left for England, he chose to remain in Barcelona.

Messi continued to progress through the club's ranks at a rapid pace, debuting for four youth teams during the 2003–04 season. After being named player of the tournament in four international pre-season competitions with the Juvenil B, he played only one official match with the team before being promoted to the Juvenil A, where he scored 18 goals in 11 league games. Messi was then one of several youth players called up to strengthen a depleted first team during the international break. French winger Ludovic Giuly explained how Messi caught the eye in a training session 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."

"It seemed as if he had been playing with us all his life."

– Barcelona's then assistant coach Henk ten Cate on Messi's first-team debut.

At 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, Messi made his first team debut when he came on in the 75th minute during a friendly against José Mourinho's Porto on 16 November 2003. His performance, creating two chances and a shot on goal, impressed the technical staff, and he subsequently began training daily with the club's reserve side, Barcelona B, as well as weekly with the first team. After his first training session with the senior squad, Barça's new star player, Ronaldinho, told his teammates that he believed the 16-year-old would become an even better player than himself. Ronaldinho soon befriended Messi, whom he called "little brother", which greatly eased his transition into the first team.

To gain further match experience, Messi joined Barcelona C in addition to the Juvenil A, playing his first game for the third team on 29 November. He helped save them from the relegation zone of the Tercera División, scoring five goals in ten games, including a hat-trick in eight minutes during a Copa del Rey match while man-marked by Sevilla's Sergio Ramos. His progress was reflected in his first professional contract, signed on 4 February 2004, which lasted until 2012 and contained an initial buyout clause of €30 million. A month later, on 6 March, he made his debut for Barcelona B in the Segunda División B, and his buyout clause automatically increased to €80 million. He played five games with the B team that season but did not score. Physically he was weaker than his opponents, who were often much older and taller, and in training he worked on increasing his muscle mass and overall strength in order to be able to shake off defenders. Towards the end of the season, he returned to both youth teams, helping the Juvenil B win the league. He finished the campaign having scored for four of his five teams with a total of 36 goals in all official competitions.

Club career

Main article: Career of Lionel Messi § Club career

Barcelona (2004–2021)

2004–2008: Rise to the first team

Messi would begin the 2004–05 season as a guaranteed starter for the Barcelona B team, but after some lobbying by the senior players, he would be promoted to the first team by manager Frank Rijkaard. He made his La Liga debut for Barcelona on 16 October 2004 against Espanyol, and scored his first senior goal on 1 May 2005 against Albacete, from an assist by Ronaldinho, becoming at that time the youngest-ever scorer for the club. At 17 years, three months, and 22 days old, he was at the time the youngest player to represent Barcelona in an official competition, and the club would win the league title during that season.

On his 18th birthday, he would sign his first contract as a senior team player, which would be updated three months later to keep him at the club until 2014. Barcelona would begin the 2005–06 season by winning the Supercopa de España without Messi, who was not selected to participate in the competition. By the end of the season, the team would win La Liga again as well as the UEFA Champions League, although Messi would not play in the final for the latter due to injury.

During the 2006–07 season, Messi scored his first hat-trick in a Clásico against Real Madrid, the first player to do so in 12 years. An incredibly finesse goal from Messi against Getafe and another goal scored by a handball against Espanyol gained notice for their similarities to the two famous goals scored by fellow Argentine Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup match against England, drawing comparisons between the two that Messi would face throughout his career. The team finished the season with only one trophy – the 2006 Supercopa de España. Barcelona would finish the next 2007–08 season trophyless, leading to Rijkaard's departure.

2008–2012: Success under Pep Guardiola

At the beginning of the 2008–09 season, his first under Barcelona's new manager, former captain Pep Guardiola, Messi was given the number 10 shirt. Over time, he effectively became the tactical focal point of Guardiola's possession-based system, increasing his goalscoring rate as a result. During that season, Messi scored 38 total goals, and alongside Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry, contributed to a total of 100 goals in all competitions, a record at the time for the club. Messi played as a false nine for the first time in a Clásico against Real Madrid, setting up his side's first goal and scoring twice in the team's greatest-ever score at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He played his first final, winning the Copa del Rey. In addition, Barcelona won the La Liga title and later won the Champions League, thus achieving the first treble in the history of Spanish football.

During the first half of the 2009–10 season, Barcelona would also win the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, resulting in becoming the first club to achieve the sextuple. Messi finished as the Champions League top scorer, the youngest in the tournament's history. For his efforts in 2009, Messi won the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award. Messi scored a total of 47 goals in all competitions, equaling Ronaldo's club record from the 1996–97 campaign. He finished the season as top scorer in the Champions League, and La Liga, winning his second consecutive league trophy and earned his first European Golden Shoe.

In the 2010–11 campaign, Messi won the Supercopa de España, Champions League, and a third consecutive La Liga title. His club performances in 2010 earned him his second consecutive Ballon d'Or. Messi was the top scorer in the Champions League, for the third consecutive year, and the league's top scorer and assist provider. He became Barcelona's all-time single-season top scorer with 53 goals.

"I feel sorry for those who want to compete for Messi's throne – it's impossible, this kid is unique."

– Pep Guardiola after Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer at the age of 24 in March 2012

Messi began the 2011–12 season winning both the Spanish and European Super Cups trophies. At the close of the year, he won the FIFA Club World Cup and earned the Golden Ball for a second time. For his efforts in 2011, he received the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming only the fourth player in history to win the Ballon d'Or three times, and the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. During the year 2012, Messi became the second player to be top scorer in four Champions League campaigns. Messi became the top goalscorer in Barcelona's history at 24 years old, overtaking the 57-year record of César Rodríguez's 232 goals with a hat-trick against Granada. He finished the season as league top scorer in Spain and Europe for a second time, with 50 goals, a La Liga record, while his 73 goals in all competitions made him the single-season top scorer in the history of European club football excluding regional and local competitions. The team would also win the Copa del Rey that season, their 14th trophy under Guardiola, who resigned following the season after a four-year cycle of success.

2012–2014: Record-breaking year and Messidependencia

For the start of the 2012–13 season, Barcelona had virtually secured their La Liga title by the start of 2013. A double scored against Real Betis saw Messi becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer in La Liga, and surpassed Gerd Müller's record of most goals scored in a calendar year; Messi would score a record 91 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina throughout 2012. Messi again won the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming the first player in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times. He signed a new contract committing himself to the club through 2018, and wore the captain's armband for the first time in a league match against Rayo Vallecano. His input into the team's attack had increased; from 24% in their treble-winning campaign, his goal contribution rose to more than 40% that season. These statistics, as well as lopsided losses in the Champions League where Messi was unfit, gave credence to the notion of Messidependencia, Barcelona's perceived tactical and psychological dependence on their star player. The team would win La Liga again that year, Messi's sixth, equalling Real Madrid's 100-point record of the previous season. With 60 goals in all competitions, including 46 goals in La Liga, he finished the campaign as league top scorer in Spain and Europe for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player in history to win the European Golden Shoe three times.

To offset the load on Messi, Barcelona would sign Brazilian forward Neymar from Santos before the 2013–14 season. The team would win the Supercopa de España at the beginning of the season. Messi finished the campaign with his worst output in five seasons, though he still managed to score 41 goals in all competitions. For the first time in five years, Barcelona ended the season without a major trophy.

2014–2017: Arrival of Luis Enrique and birth of MSN

Barcelona hired coach Luis Enrique before the 2014–15 season, and would continue to aid Messi in the attack by signing Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, who had won the European Golden Shoe the year before at Liverpool. Luis Enrique's system would feature quick transitions from defense to attack, led by the front three of Messi, Suárez and Neymar. The attacking trio, which colloquially became known as 'MSN', would break goalscoring records. A hat-trick scored against Sevilla earlier in the season would also make him the all-time top scorer in La Liga, as he surpassed the 59-year record of 251 league goals held by Telmo Zarra. After securing the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League that year, Messi helped Barcelona become the first club to win the continental treble twice. He would record 58 goals, but combined with Neymar and Suárez, the attacking trio scored a total of 122 goals in all competitions that season, a record in Spanish football.

Messi opened the 2015–16 season by helping Barcelona's win over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. Messi capped off the year by winning the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final over River Plate in Yokohama, collecting his fifth club trophy of the calendar year. On 11 January 2016, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fifth time in his career. He would end the season by winning La Liga as well as the Copa del Rey again. In total, Messi scored 41 goals, and Barcelona's attacking trio of him, Neymar and Suárez managed a Spanish record of 131 combined goals throughout the season, breaking the record they had set the previous season.

The 2016–17 season would end with Messi winning the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey. He would finish the season with 54 goals, while his 37 goals in La Liga saw him claim both the Pichichi and European Golden Boot Awards for the fourth time in his career. Messi, Neymar and Suárez would combine for 110 goals by season's end. Neymar would depart for Paris Saint Germain the next year, leaving the attacking trio with a combined total of 363 goals over the course of three seasons. Luis Enrique would also leave Barcelona at the end of the season after managing the club to a total of nine trophies during his three-year tenure.

2017–2021: Final years at Barcelona

Messi would sign a new deal with Barcelona on 25 November 2017, keeping him with the club through 2021. The 2017–18 season saw Messi achieving the domestic double, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey once again. He once again finished the season as the top scorer in La Liga, with 34 goals, which also saw him win his fifth European Golden Shoe award. With the departure of former captain Andrés Iniesta in May 2018, Messi was named the team's new captain for the 2018–19 season. He lifted his first trophy as Barcelona's captain, the Supercopa de España, following a 2–1 victory over Sevilla. He helped Barcelona clinch the La Liga title, his tenth but first as captain. With 36 goals in 34 appearances that season, he won his sixth league Golden Boot trophy, equalling Zarra as the player with the most top-scorer awards in La Liga. He also captured his sixth Golden Shoe award, and a record third consecutive award since the 2016–17 season.

Messi would win his sixth Ballon d'Or, but the subsequent 2019–20 season saw Barcelona go trophyless for the first time since 2007–08. Following a disappointing season, Barcelona announced that Messi sent the club "a document expressing his desire to leave", but Messi ultimately decided to fulfill the final year of his contract. The 2020–21 season saw Messi surpass Xavi's record to reach a club record of 768 appearances. He would lead the club to victory in the 2021 Copa del Rey final. His last two seasons with Barcelona saw him lead La Liga in goal scoring, giving him a record-breaking total of eight Pichichi trophies.

Messi became a free agent after his contract expired, with negotiations on a new deal complicated due to Barcelona's financial issues. Barcelona would eventually announce that Messi would not be staying at the club, citing financial and structural obstacles posed by La Liga regulations as a reason for Messi's departure. In a tearful press conference held at the Camp Nou, Messi confirmed that he would be leaving Barcelona.

Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)

On 10 August 2021, Messi joined Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reuniting him with Neymar, for the 2021–22 season on a two-year deal until June 2023 with an option for an extra year. Messi chose 30 as his squad number, the same he wore as a teenager when he made his senior debut for Barcelona. He would make his debut with the club against Reims, made his first start and Champions League debut for the club against Club Brugge, and made his home debut in a match against Lyon He scored his first goal for the club in a Champions League group stage win over former manager Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Having scored 40 goals at club and international level for the calendar year in addition to captaining Argentina to the 2021 Copa América, Messi received a record seventh Ballon d'Or. He finished his debut season with PSG with 11 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, helping the club win their 10th Ligue 1 title.

Beginning the 2022–23 season, Messi would win his second trophy with PSG in the Trophée des Champions. A goal against Nice resulted in him surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo as the all-time highest goalscorer in European club football with 702 goals; during the match, he also achieved 1,000 career direct goal contributions at club level. By the end of the season, he had 21 goals across all competitors and the highest number of assists in the league with 16, which helped PSG clinch their 11th Ligue 1 title and his second in a row. Following the last game of the season, manager Christophe Galtier confirmed that it would be Messi's last for PSG, with the club confirming his departure two days later.

Inter Miami (2023–present)

Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami CF announced the signing of Messi on a two-and-a-half-year contract on 15 July 2023. Messi made his 2023 debut for the club in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, scoring with a free-kick in stoppage time for a victory. After scoring nine goals in his first six games for Miami, Messi led the team to the club's first-ever trophy by winning the Leagues Cup against Nashville SC. Messi made his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls. Miami would miss the playoffs, finish 14th in the Eastern Conference, having gone winless in their last seven games. On 30 October 2023, following his World Cup win with Argentina and Ligue 1 trophy with PSG, Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or. He was also named Time Athlete of the Year, the first footballer to ever win the award.

During the 2024 season, Messi broke the record for the most assists in a single MLS game with five assists and he also broke the record for the most goal contributions in an MLS game with six in a 6–2 win over the New York Red Bulls. On 2 October, Messi scored a brace in a 3–2 win over Columbus Crew, clinching the Supporters' Shield, his 46th trophy. In the final game of the regular season on 19 October against New England Revolution, Messi scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 6–2 victory. Inter Miami's victory over the Revolution also allowed the club to finish with 74 points throughout the regular season, a league record for MLS. He would finish the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches. In doing so, he became Inter Miami's all-time leading goalscorer.

Miami made its first postseason appearance in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs but were eliminated in the first round after losing two games against Atlanta United. Messi would have his first postseason goal in the third game, a 3–2 loss. He would be named the MLS Most Valuable Player following the conclusion of the regular season.

International career

Main article: Career of Lionel Messi § International career

As a dual Argentine-Spanish national, Messi was eligible to play for the national team of both countries. He debuted for Argentina in 2004 for Argentina's U20 team against Paraguay, and was subsequently included in the squad for the 2005 South American U-20 Championship, where they would finish third. Messi would then lead the team to victory in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, his first success with Argentina. Finishing the tournament with six goals and two assists, he would also win the Golden Ball.

Messi would make his debut with the senior national team in 2005, at age 18, coming off the bench in a friendly against Hungary. Messi would have his first start in 2006 against Peru, and would score his first international goal in a friendly against Croatia. His World Cup debut came in the 2006 FIFA World Cup as a substitute in the 74th minute against Serbia and Montenegro, scoring the final goal in their victory. This made him the youngest player to represent and score for Argentina in the World Cup. He would represent Argentina again for the 2007 Copa América, where they would ultimately lose in the final. Messi was named the best young player of the tournament, having scored two goals and provided one assist. The 2008 Summer Olympics would mark another major achievement with his country, as he led Argentina's U23 team to claim the Olympic gold medal over Nigeria. Messi registered two goals and three assists throughout, and was singled out by FIFA as the stand-out player from the tournament's best team.

With the international retirement of Juan Román Riquelme, Messi was given Argentina's number 10 shirt. During a 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Greece, where a majority of the starters rested due to a secured place in the knockout rounds, Messi would wear the captain's armband for the first time. Argentina were ultimately eliminated in the quarterfinals against Germany during that tournament, but Messi was identified as one of the tournament's 10 best players due to his pace and creativity, despite failing to register a single goal and only having one assist. The appointment of Sergio Batista ahead of the 2011 Copa America resulted in Argentina now building their team around Messi. However, Messi would again be goalless during the tournament but had three assists. The team would ultimately lose to Uruguay in penalties during the quarter-finals.

Following their unsuccessful performance, Batista was replaced by Alejandro Sabella, who awarded 24-year-old Messi the captaincy of the squad. The next several years saw many frustrations for Messi due to his inability to captain Argentina to an international trophy. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Messi and Argentina lost to Germany in the final, though Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament regardless due to his overall performance with four goals and an assist. Argentina would lose to Chile on penalties in the 2015 Copa América final the next year. At the close of the tournament, Messi, was reportedly selected to receive the Golden Ball award, having scored one goal and provided three assists, but rejected the honour. In the 2016 Copa América Centenario semi-final against the United States, a goal from Messi would put him ahead of Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer in international matches. However, Argentina would again fall to Chile on penalties in the final. Messi would have five goals and four assists throughout the tournament.

Losing three consecutive finals in three consecutive years caused Messi to briefly retire from international football, but a fan campaign in Argentina helped convince him to reverse his decision. He would return to the national team to lead them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Argentina were in jeopardy of missing the tournament on the last game of the qualifiers against Ecuador, but a hat-trick from Messi secured their entry. They would go on to lose to France in the Round of 16 during the World Cup, with Messi having one goal and two assists in the tournament. The next year, under new head coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi would again represent Argentina in the 2019 Copa América, where he registered only a single goal and assist. They would lose to hosts Brazil in the semi-final but ended with a third-place finish after defeating Chile.

Messi would finally end Argentina's 28-year trophy drought in the 2021 Copa América, as they had not won an international tournament since 1993. In the process, he surpassed Javier Mascherano to become Argentina's most-capped player during a group stage match against Bolivia. Argentina defeated Brazil in the final; Messi was directly involved in nine out of the 12 goals scored by Argentina, scoring four and assisting five, and was named the player of the tournament. He captained Argentina to win another international trophy in the 2022 Finalissima against UEFA Euro 2020 winners Italy, where he was named player of the match after providing two assists. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi led Argentina to its first World Cup victory in 36 years, defeating France during the final. He became the first player to score in every stage of the World Cup, having scored seven total with three assists, and also the first to win the Golden Ball for the tournament twice. With his appearance in the final, Messi set new records as the player with the most appearances at the World Cup (26) and most direct goal contributions at the World Cup (21 – 13 goals and 8 assists). He also set the record for most goals for Argentina in a calendar year with 18.

A hat-trick in a 2023 friendly against Curaçao saw Messi reach 100 international goals; he became the third player and the first South American in history to achieve this milestone. Later that year, a goal against Peru during a World Cup qualifier saw Messi become the all-time top goalscorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. His start in the 2024 Copa América opening game against Canada marked a new record for overall Copa appearances (35). A goal Messi scored in the semi-final, again against Canada, marked his first and only goal of the tournament while also making him the second-highest international goalscorer of all time. Argentina eventually won the final against Colombia, setting Messi with 39 total appearances in the tournament, while also marking Argentina's second consecutive Copa América win and third consecutive international tournament title with Messi as captain.

Player profile

Style of play

Due to his short stature, Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players, which gives him greater agility, allowing him to change direction more quickly and evade opposing tackles; this has led the Spanish media to dub him La Pulga Atómica ("The Atomic Flea"). Despite being physically unimposing, he possesses significant upper-body strength, which, combined with his low centre of gravity and resulting balance, aids him in withstanding physical challenges from opponents; he has consequently been noted for his lack of diving in a sport rife with playacting. His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when dribbling at speed. His former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola once stated, "Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it." Although he has improved his ability with his weaker foot since his mid-20s, Messi is predominantly a left-footed player; with the outside of his left foot, he usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes and assists.

A prolific goalscorer, Messi is known for his finishing, positioning, quick reactions, and ability to make attacking runs to beat the defensive line. He also functions in a playmaking role, courtesy of his vision and range of passing. He has often been described as a magician; a conjurer, creating goals and opportunities where seemingly none exist. Moreover, he is an accurate free kick and penalty kick taker. As of September 2023, Messi ranks fifth all time in goals scored from direct free kicks with 65, the most among active players. He also has a penchant for scoring from chips.

Messi's pace and technical ability enable him to undertake individual dribbling runs towards goal, in particular during counterattacks, usually starting from the halfway line or the right side of the pitch. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest dribblers of all time. With regard to this ability, his former Argentina manager 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." Beyond his individual qualities, he is also a well-rounded, hard-working team player, known for his creative combinations, in particular with former Barcelona midfielders Xavi and Andrés Iniesta.

As his career advanced, and his athleticism and tendency to dribble diminished slightly with age, Messi began to dictate play in deeper areas of the pitch and developed into one of the best passers and playmakers in football history. His work-rate off the ball and defensive responsibilities also decreased as his career progressed; by covering less ground on the pitch, and instead conserving his energy for short bursts of speed, he was able to improve his efficiency, movement, and positional play, and was also able to avoid muscular injuries, despite often playing a large number of matches throughout a particular season on a consistent basis. Indeed, while he was injury-prone in his early career, he was later able to improve his injury record by running less off the ball, and by adopting a stricter diet, training regime, and sleep schedule.

Tactical positioning

Tactically, Messi plays in a free attacking role; a versatile player, he is capable of attacking on either wing or through the centre of the pitch. His favoured position in childhood was 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 forward. Upon his first-team debut, he was moved onto the right wing by manager Frank Rijkaard; from this position, he could more easily cut through the defence into the middle of the pitch and curl shots on goal with his left foot, rather than predominantly cross balls for teammates. Under Guardiola and subsequent managers, he most often played in a false nine role; positioned as a centre-forward or lone striker, he would roam the centre, often moving deep into midfield and drawing defenders with him, in order 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.

Under the stewardship of Luis Enrique, Messi initially returned to playing in the right-sided position that characterised much of his early career in the manager's 4–3–3 formation, while he was increasingly deployed in a deeper, free playmaking role in later seasons. Under manager Ernesto Valverde, Messi played in a variety of roles. While he occasionally continued to be deployed in a deeper role, from which he could make runs from behind into the box, or even on the right wing or as a false nine, he was also used in a more offensive, central role in a 4–2–3–1, or as a second striker in a 4–4–2 formation, where he was once again given the licence to drop deep, link-up with midfielders, orchestrate his team's attacking plays, and create chances for his attacking partner Luis Suárez. With the Argentina national team, Messi has similarly played anywhere along the frontline. Under various managers, he has been employed on the right wing, as a false nine, as an out-and-out striker, in a supporting role alongside another forward, or in a deeper, free creative role as a classic number 10 playmaker or attacking midfielder behind the strikers.

Reception

Messi is widely regarded as one of the two best players of his generation, alongside Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, and one of the greatest footballers of all time. A prodigious talent as a teenager, Messi established himself among the world's best players before age 20. Shortly after teammate Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d'Or, he commented, "I'm not even the best at Barça" in reference to his 18-year-old protégé. Four years later, after Messi won his first Ballon d'Or by a record margin, the public debate regarding his qualities as a player moved beyond his status in contemporary football to the possibility that he was one of the greatest players in history. An early proponent was his then-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who, as early as August 2009, declared Messi to be the best player he had ever seen. In the following years, this opinion gained greater acceptance among pundits, managers, former and current players, and by the end of Barça's second treble-winning season, the view of Messi as one of the greatest footballers of all time had become the apparent view among many fans and pundits in continental Europe. He initially received dismissals by critics based on the fact that he had not won an international tournament at senior level with Argentina. However, Messi's subsequent victories in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup resulted in him finally winning every top tier trophy at both the club and country levels, an achievement that many pundits felt cemented his legacy.

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo

Main article: Messi–Ronaldo rivalry

Among his contemporary peers, Messi is most often compared and contrasted with Cristiano Ronaldo, who many consider his career rival. Both achieved numerous individual accolades, won dozens of trophies for both club and country, and are the two leading goal scorers in history. Although Messi has at times denied any rivalry, they are widely believed to push one another in their aim to be the best player in the world. Pundits have compared the ongoing rivalry to past sports rivalries like the Muhammad Ali–Joe Frazier rivalry in boxing, the Prost–Senna rivalry in motorsport, and the tennis rivalries between Federer–Nadal and Borg–McEnroe.

Fans and pundits alike regularly argue the individual merits of both players. Messi is lauded for his combination of dribbling, playmaking, passing and goalscoring, while Ronaldo has received praise for his exceptional speed and athleticism, goalscoring skills, and performance under pressure. Beyond their playing styles, the debate also revolves around their differing physiques – Ronaldo is 1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in) with a muscular build, compared to Messi's smaller size – and contrasting public personalities with Ronaldo's self-confidence and theatrics a foil to Messi's humility. Regarding individual achievements, Messi has won eight Ballons d'Or to Ronaldo's five, eight FIFA World's Best Player awards to Ronaldo's five, and six European Golden Shoes to Ronaldo's four. Off the pitch, Ronaldo is his direct competitor in terms of salary, sponsorships, and social media fanbase.

Messi's head-to-head record against teams that feature Ronaldo consists of 15 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses in competitive club matches, 1 win and 1 loss in international friendlies, and 1 win in a club friendly. The first competitive matchup between the two occurred in 2008, when Ronaldo's Manchester United were drawn to play Messi's Barcelona in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where Ronaldo and Manchester United would eventually advance 1–0 on aggregate, and go on to win the final. The two players and their teams would meet again in the next year's Champions League, this time in the final, with Messi and Barcelona emerging as the victors after a 2–0 result. After this, Ronaldo would transfer to Real Madrid, the main rivals of Barcelona, and from 2009–10 to 2017–18, Messi faced Ronaldo at least twice every season in El Clásico, which ranks among the world's most viewed annual sports events. Ronaldo's would then transfer to Juventus in the summer of 2018; their final matchup in a competitive match would occur during a 2020–21 UEFA Champions League group stage match, where Ronaldo's two goals from the penalty spot helped Juventus to a 3–0 victory against Messi's Barcelona. After Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus, Messi stated: "I miss Cristiano. Although it was a bit difficult to see him win trophies, he gave La Liga prestige."

Following Messi leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, a number of football critics, commentators, and players have opined that Messi settled the debate between the two players.

Comparisons with Diego Maradona

Main article: New Maradona

"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.

Throughout his career, Messi has been compared with his compatriot Diego Maradona, who was also considered the best player of his generation and one of greatest in the history of the sport. This was due to their short statures, their similar playing styles as diminutive, left-footed playmakers, and the fact that they both came from Argentina. Initially, Messi was merely one of many young Argentine players to receive the "New Maradona" moniker, but as his career progressed, Messi proved his similarity beyond all previous contenders, establishing himself as the best player Argentina had produced since Maradona. Even when Messi was 18 years old, Maradona called him the best player in the world and hailed him as his successor. Messi and Maradona would work together as player and manager for Argentina's national side from 2008 through the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the latter thoroughly impressed with the former's skills. It was during this period that Messi was given Argentina's number 10 shirt that Maradona famously wore. Maradona gave Messi his blessing, telling him: "the No 10 is yours. There's nobody better than you to wear it."

During the early and middle parts of his career, Messi was generally held in lesser esteem than Maradona in Argentine society. Part of this had to do with Messi's lack of tournament success and perceived uneven output with the national team during this period – Maradona had famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup with a dominant overall performance, which set expectations for Messi to do the same. Also unlike Maradona, Messi never played in the Argentine Primera División, therefore depriving his countrymen a chance to watch him develop and prove himself, and through no fault of his own would do this overseas in La Liga instead. Argentines also identified more with the fiery and controversial Maradona who came from the slums, character traits that they felt aligned with their national values, as opposed to the reserved and unassuming Messi who had a comparable unremarkable upbringing in Rosario. Several pundits, footballing figures, and Maradona himself would point to this temperament to question Messi's leadership capabilities for the national team. Furthermore, Messi's lack of outward passion for the Albiceleste shirt, early tendency not to sing the national anthem, and disinclination to emotional displays have in the past led to the false perception that he felt more Catalan rather than truly Argentine. However, despite having lived in Barcelona since age 13, Messi rejected the option of representing Spain internationally, saying: "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."

Football journalist Tim Vickery stated the perception of Messi among Argentines changed in 2019, with Messi making a conscious effort to become "more one of the group, more Argentine". Other pundits noted that Messi had grown more assertive as a leader during the 2019 Copa América by becoming more vocal with his teammates both on and off the pitch, finally singing the national anthem with the team before matches, and speaking with journalists at length after matches, the latter of which he rarely did for Barcelona. Following the 2022 World Cup win for Messi and Argentina, Vickery felt that Messi would now be held in the same esteem by his compatriots as Maradona. Former footballer turned journalist Jorge Valdano said he saw a "Maradonian" edge to Messi's performances during the tournament, while compatriot Osvaldo Ardiles mentioned that Messi's provoking actions against the Netherlands side during the quarter-final were "more of a Maradona reaction," further endearing Messi to his countrymen. Messi himself later remarked that the World Cup victory "won over all the people of Argentina. Today 95% or 100% of Argentines love me and that's a beautiful feeling."

In popular culture

Popularity

Messi was among the Time 100, an annual list of the world's most influential people, in 2011, 2012 and 2023. According to a 2014 survey in 15 international markets, Messi was familiar to 87% of respondents around the world, of whom 78% perceived him favourably, making him the second-most recognised player globally, behind Ronaldo, and the most likable of all contemporary players. World Press Photo selected "The Final Game", a photo of Messi facing the World Cup trophy after Argentina's final defeat to Germany, as the best sports image of 2014. On his economic impact on the city in which he plays, Terry Gibson called him a "tourist attraction". In December 2023, a set of shirts Messi had worn during the 2022 World Cup was sold at auction for 7.8 million dollars.

His fanbase on Facebook is among the largest of public figures: within seven hours of its launch in April 2011, Messi's Facebook page had nearly seven million followers, and by July 2023 he had over 114 million followers, the second highest for a sportsperson after Cristiano Ronaldo. He has over 500 million Instagram followers, the second highest for an individual and sportsperson after Ronaldo. His World Cup celebration post from 18 December 2022 is the most liked post on Instagram with over 75 million likes.

On 20 March 2023, during a return to Buenos Aires following his World Cup victory, Messi was mobbed by hundreds of adoring fans when he and his family were out to dinner. When news spread where Messi and his family were, the restaurant was soon surrounded by locals hoping to get a glimpse of their World Cup-winning captain. Police assistance would be needed to get Messi back to his car in the early hours of the morning. In April 2023, Messi was featured in the 200 year old Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala, India. During the festival, umbrellas carrying the illuminated cut outs of Messi holding the World Cup trophy were displayed on the top of caparisoned elephants during the Kudamattam ceremony.

During an exhibition match on 4 February 2024 in which Inter Miami faced off against the Hong Kong League players at Hong Kong Stadium, Messi would remain on the bench the entire game, causing massive backlash in Hong Kong and China as a result. A Messi commercial was taken off air in those regions, while others remained despite pressure from Chinese social-media users. Furthermore, the Chinese Football Association temporarily halted its partnership with the Argentine Football Association over the incident on 8 February.

Wealth and sponsorships

Messi was the world's highest-paid footballer for five years out of six between 2009 and 2014; he was the first player to exceed the €40 million benchmark, with earnings of €41 million in 2013, and the €50–€60 million points, with income of €65 million in 2014. Messi was second on Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes, after Cristiano Ronaldo, with income of $81 million from salary and endorsements in 2015–16. In 2018 he was the first player to exceed the €100m benchmark for a calendar year, with earnings of €126m ($154m) in combined income from salaries, bonuses and endorsements. Forbes ranked him the world's highest-paid athlete in 2019. From 2008, he was Barcelona's highest-paid player, receiving a salary that increased incrementally from €7.8 million to €13 million over the next five years. Signing a new contract in 2017, he earned $667,000 per week in wages, and Barcelona paid him $60 million as a signing on bonus. His buyout clause was set at $835 million (€700 million). In 2020, Messi became the second footballer, as well as the second athlete in a team sport, after Ronaldo, to surpass $1 billion in earnings during their careers.

In addition to salary and bonuses, much of Messi's income derives from endorsements; SportsPro has consequently cited him as one of the world's most marketable athletes every year since their research began in 2010. His main sponsor since 2006 is Adidas. As Barcelona's leading youth prospect, he was signed with Nike since age 14, but transferred to Adidas after they successfully challenged their rival's claim to his image rights in court. Messi established himself as their leading brand endorser; from 2008, he had a long-running signature collection of Adidas F50 boots, and in 2015, became the first footballer to receive his own sub-brand of Adidas boots, the Adidas Messi. Since 2017, he has worn the latest version of the Adidas Nemeziz. In 2015, a Barcelona jersey with Messi's name and number was the best-selling replica jersey worldwide. At the 2022 World Cup, Adidas sold out Messi's No. 10 Argentina jersey worldwide.

As a commercial entity, Messi's brand has been based exclusively on his talents and achievements as a player, in contrast to arguably more glamorous players like Ronaldo and David Beckham. At the start of his career, he thus mainly held sponsorship contracts with companies that employ sports-oriented marketing, such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Konami. From 2010, concurrently with increased achievements as a player, his marketing appeal widened, leading to long-term endorsement deals with luxury brands Dolce & Gabbana and Audemars Piguet. Messi is a global brand ambassador for Gillette, Turkish Airlines, Ooredoo, and Tata Motors, among other companies. 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 company EA Sports to become the face of their series FIFA and appeared on consecutive covers from FIFA 13 to FIFA 16.

In 2013, a Turkish Airlines advertisement starring Messi, in which he engages in a selfie competition with Kobe Bryant, was the most-watched ad on YouTube in 2013, receiving 137 million views, and was voted the best advertisement of the 2005–15 decade to commemorate YouTube's founding. In June 2021, Messi signed a five-year deal to become an ambassador for the Hard Rock Cafe brand. He stated, "sports and music are an integral part of my life. It is an honor to be the first athlete to partner with a brand who has a history of teaming with music legends."

In May 2022, Messi was unveiled as Saudi Arabia's tourism ambassador. Due to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, Messi was condemned for the role which was viewed as an attempt of Saudi sportswashing.

Philanthropy

Throughout his career, Messi has been involved in charitable efforts aimed at vulnerable children, a commitment that stems in part from the medical difficulties he faced in his own childhood. Since 2004, he has contributed his time and finances to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), an organisation with which Barcelona also have a strong association. Messi has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since his appointment in March 2010, completing his first field mission for the organisation four months later as he travelled to Haiti to bring public awareness to the plight of the country's children in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He has since participated in UNICEF campaigns targeting HIV prevention, education, and the social inclusion of disabled children. To celebrate his son's first birthday, in November 2013, Messi and Thiago were part of a publicity campaign to raise awareness of mortality rates among disadvantaged children.

In addition to his work with UNICEF, Messi founded his own charitable organisation, the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to health care, education, and sport for children. It was established in 2007 following a visit Messi paid to a hospital for terminally ill children in Boston, an experience that resonated with him to the point that he decided to reinvest part of his earnings into society. Through his foundation, Messi has awarded research grants, financed medical training, and invested in the development of medical centres and projects in Argentina, Spain, and elsewhere in the world. In addition to his own fundraising activities, such as his global "Messi and Friends" football matches, his foundation receives financial support from various companies to which he has assigned his name in endorsement agreements, with Adidas as their main sponsor. A gold replica of his left foot, weighing 25 kg (55 lb) and valued at $5.3 million, went on sale in Japan in 2013 to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Messi has also invested in youth football in Argentina: he financially supports Sarmiento, a football club based in the Rosario neighbourhood where he was born, committing in 2013 to the refurbishment of their facilities and the installation of all-weather pitches, and funds the management of several youth players at Newell's Old Boys and rival club Rosario Central, as well as at River Plate and Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires. At Newell's Old Boys, his boyhood club, he funded the 2012 construction of a new gymnasium and a dormitory inside the club's stadium for their youth academy. His former youth coach at Newell's, Ernesto Vecchio, is employed by the Leo Messi Foundation as a talent scout for young players. On 7 June 2016, Messi won a libel case against La Razón newspaper and was awarded €65,000 in damages, which he donated to the charity Médecins Sans Frontières. Messi made a donation worth €1 million ($1.1 million) to fight the spread of coronavirus. This was split between Clinic Barcelona in Barcelona and his native Argentina. In addition to this, Messi along with his fellow FC Barcelona teammates announced he would be taking a 70% cut in salaries during the 2020 coronavirus emergency, and contribute further to the club to provide fully to salaries of all the clubs employees.

In November 2016, with the Argentine Football Association being run by a FIFA committee for emergency due to an economic crisis, it was reported that three of the national team's security staff told Messi that they had not received their salaries for six months. He stepped in and paid the salaries of the three members. In February 2021, Messi donated to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya his Adidas shoes which he wore when he scored his 644th goal for Barcelona and broke Pelé's record for most goals scored for a single club; the shoes were later auctioned off in April by the museum for charity to help children with cancer and were sold for £125,000.

In advance of the 2021 Copa América, Messi donated three signed shirts to the Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech—whose directors spoke of their admiration for Messi—in order to secure 50,000 doses of Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac, in the hope of vaccinating all of South America's football players. A deal brokered by Uruguay's president Luis Lacalle Pou, the plan to prioritise football players caused some controversy given widespread vaccine scarcity in the region, with the Mayor of Canelones Yamandú Orsi 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".

In January 2025, Messi was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States, by President Joe Biden for his contributions in supporting healthcare and education programs for children around the world. He would be unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, but sent a letter expressing his appreciation for the honor and his hopes of meeting President Biden at a later date.

Public art

Street art and public murals depicting Messi are regularly painted around the world. One prominent artwork that went viral is the Sistine Chapel of Football, a parody of Leonardo Da Vinci's The Creation of Adam that features both Messi and Diego Maradona, along with several other prominent Argentine footballers. The work is exhibited at the Sportivo Pereyra club from Barracas in Buenos Aires.

Several public sculptures with Messi's likeness have been erected. Madame Tussauds unveiled their first wax sculpture of Messi at Wembley Stadium in 2012. After the announcement of his first retirement from the international team in June 2016, a bronze statue of Messi was erected in Buenos Aires days later in an attempt to convince him to return. A life-sized statue of Messi holding the World Cup trophy was unveiled outside the CONMEBOL headquarters in Luque, Paraguay in March 2023, a few months after Argentina's World Cup win. The statue would stand alongside those of Pelé and Diego Maradona.

Media

Messi, a documentary by filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2014. Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend, a biographical docuseries focusing on Messi's career, his highs and lows with the Argentina national football team, and fairytale ending of with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, aired on Apple TV+ on 21 February 2024.

Business ventures

On 4 June 2024, Messi announced the release of Más+, an American brand of sports and energy drinks. Messi created the drink because he couldn't find a flavorful and healthy hydration option that suited his needs. The drink was teased to debut in Miami, Florida, on 13 June 2024. It was released in Publix and Walmart stores and made available for delivery on Gopuff in South Florida the following day. Más+ is affiliated with White Claw Hard Seltzer founder Mark Anthony.

Later that year, on 19 September 2024, Messi announced that he would be launching a production company called 525 Rosario, named after his hometown. Headquartered in Miami and Los Angeles, the company was created to produce film, sporting events and branded commercials for athletes worldwide. It would be a joint venture with Smuggler Entertainment, who co-produced Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend earlier in 2024.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Since 2008, Messi has been in a relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo, who he eventually married on 30 June 2017 in their hometown of Rosario. He has known Roccuzzo since he was five years old, as she is the cousin of his childhood best friend, Lucas Scaglia, who is also a football player. After keeping their relationship private for a year, Messi first confirmed their romance in an interview in January 2009, before going public a month later during a carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona–Espanyol derby.

Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons. To celebrate his partner's first pregnancy, Messi placed the ball under his shirt after scoring in Argentina's 4–0 win against Ecuador on 2 June 2012, before confirming the pregnancy in an interview two weeks later. Thiago was born in Barcelona on 2 November 2012. In April 2015, Messi confirmed that they were expecting another child. In October 2017, his wife announced they were expecting their third child. Messi and his family are Catholic.

Messi enjoys a close relationship with his immediate family members, particularly his mother, Celia, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder. His professional affairs are largely run as a family business: his father, Jorge, has been his agent since he was 14, and his oldest brother, Rodrigo, handles his daily schedule and publicity. His mother and other brother, Matías, manage his charitable organization, the Leo Messi Foundation, and take care of personal and professional matters in Rosario.

Since leaving for Spain aged 13, Messi has maintained close ties to his hometown of Rosario, even preserving his distinct Rosarino accent. He has kept ownership of his family's old house, although it has long stood empty; he maintains a penthouse apartment in an exclusive residential building for his mother, as well as a family compound just outside the city. Once when he was in training with the national team in Buenos Aires, he made a three-hour trip by car to Rosario immediately after practice to have dinner with his family, spent the night with them, and returned to Buenos Aires the next day in time for practice. Messi keeps in daily contact via phone and text with a small group of confidants in Rosario, most of whom were fellow members of "The Machine of '87" at Newell's Old Boys. He was on bad terms with the club after his transfer to Barcelona, but by 2012 their public feud had ended, with Newell's embracing their ties with Messi, even issuing a club membership card to his newborn son. Messi has long planned to return to Rosario to end his playing career at Newell's. Messi holds triple citizenship, as he is a citizen of Argentina, Italy, and Spain.

Tax fraud

Messi's financial 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 earnings between 2007 and 2009. An unrelated shell company in Panama set up in 2012 was subsequently identified as belonging to the Messis in the Panama Papers data leak. Messi, who pleaded ignorance of the alleged scheme, voluntarily paid arrears of €5.1 million in August 2013. On 6 July 2016, Messi and his father were both found guilty of tax fraud and were handed suspended 21-month prison sentences and respectively ordered to pay €1.7 million and €1.4 million in fines. 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."

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 9 November 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		Continental		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Barcelona C	2003–04	Tercera División	10	5	—		—		—		10	5
Barcelona B	2003–04	Segunda División B	5	0	—		—		—		5	0
	2004–05	Segunda División B	17	6	—		—		—		17	6
	Total		22	6	—		—		—		22	6
Barcelona	2004–05	La Liga	7	1	1	0	1	0	—		9	1
	2005–06	La Liga	17	6	2	1	6	1	0	0	25	8
	2006–07	La Liga	26	14	2	2	5	1	3	0	36	17
	2007–08	La Liga	28	10	3	0	9	6	—		40	16
	2008–09	La Liga	31	23	8	6	12	9	—		51	38
	2009–10	La Liga	35	34	3	1	11	8	4	4	53	47
	2010–11	La Liga	33	31	7	7	13	12	2	3	55	53
	2011–12	La Liga	37	50	7	3	11	14	5	6	60	73
	2012–13	La Liga	32	46	5	4	11	8	2	2	50	60
	2013–14	La Liga	31	28	6	5	7	8	2	0	46	41
	2014–15	La Liga	38	43	6	5	13	10	—		57	58
	2015–16	La Liga	33	26	5	5	7	6	4	4	49	41
	2016–17	La Liga	34	37	7	5	9	11	2	1	52	54
	2017–18	La Liga	36	34	6	4	10	6	2	1	54	45
	2018–19	La Liga	34	36	5	3	10	12	1	0	50	51
	2019–20	La Liga	33	25	2	2	8	3	1	1	44	31
	2020–21	La Liga	35	30	5	3	6	5	1	0	47	38
	Total		520	474	80	56	149	120	29	22	778	672
Paris Saint-Germain	2021–22	Ligue 1	26	6	1	0	7	5	—		34	11
	2022–23	Ligue 1	32	16	1	0	7	4	1	1	41	21
	Total		58	22	2	0	14	9	1	1	75	32
Inter Miami	2023	MLS	6	1	1	0	—		7	10	14	11
	2024	MLS	19	20	—		3	2	3	1	25	23
	Total		25	21	1	0	3	2	10	11	39	34
Career total			635	528	83	56	166	131	40	34	924	749

Includes Copa del Rey, Coupe de France, U.S. Open Cup
All appearances in UEFA Champions League, unless otherwise noted
One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in Supercopa de España
One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance and two goals in Supercopa de España, two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup
^ Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
One appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and three goals 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 goal in Supercopa de España, one appearance and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup
Appearance in Trophée des Champions
Appearances in Leagues Cup
Appearances in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Appearances in MLS Cup playoffs

International

As of match played 19 November 2024

Appearances and goals by national team, year and competition
Team	Year	Competitive		Friendly		Total
Team	Year	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Argentina U20	2004	—		2	3	2	3
	2005	16	11	—		16	11
	Total	16	11	2	3	18	14
Argentina U23	2008	5	2	—		5	2
Argentina U23	Total	5	2	0	0	5	2
Argentina	2005	3	0	2	0	5	0
	2006	3	1	4	1	7	2
	2007	10	4	4	2	14	6
	2008	6	1	2	1	8	2
	2009	8	1	2	2	10	3
	2010	5	0	5	2	10	2
	2011	8	2	5	2	13	4
	2012	5	5	4	7	9	12
	2013	5	3	2	3	7	6
	2014	7	4	7	4	14	8
	2015	6	1	2	3	8	4
	2016	10	8	1	0	11	8
	2017	5	4	2	0	7	4
	2018	4	1	1	3	5	4
	2019	6	1	4	4	10	5
	2020	4	1	—		4	1
	2021	16	9	—		16	9
	2022	10	8	4	10	14	18
	2023	5	3	3	5	8	8
	2024	9	4	2	2	11	6
	Total	135	61	56	51	191	112
Career total		156	74	58	54	213	128

Nine appearances and five goals in the 2005 South American U-20 Championship, seven appearances and six goals in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Appearances in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Appearances in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Appearances in 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Six appearances and two goals in 2007 Copa América, four appearances and two goals in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification.
^ Appearances in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Appearances in 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Four appearances in 2011 Copa América, four appearances and two goals in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.
^ Appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Appearances in 2015 Copa América.
Five appearances and three goals in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, five appearances and five goals in Copa América Centenario.
Appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Appearances in 2019 Copa América.
Appearances in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Nine appearances and five goals in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, seven appearances and four goals in 2021 Copa América.
Two appearances and one goal in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, one appearance in 2022 Finalissima, seven appearances and seven goals in 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Appearances in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Five appearances and one goal in 2024 Copa América, four appearances and three goals in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Honours

For a comprehensive listing of Messi's achievements, see List of career achievements by Lionel Messi.

Barcelona

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: 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, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain

Inter Miami

Argentina U20

FIFA World Youth Championship: 2005

Argentina U23

Olympic Games: 2008

Argentina

Individual

Ballon d'Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
FIFA World Player of the Year/FIFA Ballon d'Or/The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023
European Golden Shoe: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014, 2022
FIFA World Cup Silver Boot: 2022
FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011
FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball: 2005
FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Boot: 2005
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2008–09
UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award: 2010–11, 2014–15
UEFA Champions League top scorer: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2018–19
Copa América Golden Ball: 2015, 2021
Copa América Golden Boot: 2021
La Liga Best Player: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
MLS Most Valuable Player: 2024
Pichichi Trophy: 2009−10, 2011–12, 2012−13, 2016–17, 2017−18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2020, 2023
Ballon d'Or Dream Team: 2020
FIFPRO World 11: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Argentine Sportsperson of the Year: 2011, 2021, 2022, 2023
Argentine Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Orders

Creu de Sant Jordi, Catalonia (30 April 2019)
Presidential Medal of Freedom, United States (4 January 2025)

Notes

According to FCBarcelona.com, and his authorised biography, Messi by Guillem Balagué, his surname is the single "Messi", in accordance with Argentine customs. Other sources, including a 2014 document by FIFA, give his surname as the double "Messi Cuccittini". After winning a libel case in 2017, Messi's own management company stated: "The football player Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini has donated a total of €72,783.20 to the organisation Doctors Without Borders."
^ Messi received France Football's 2009 Ballon d'Or and FIFA's 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award, prior to their six-year merger; he proceeded to win the newly formed award, the FIFA Ballon d'Or, four times—2010, 2011, 2012, 2015. Both organisations credited him with five (FIFA) Ballon d'Or awards. He then went on to win the Ballon d'Or three more times—2019, 2021, 2023—again assigned by the sole France Football, and won the newly established The Best FIFA Men's Player three times as well—2019, 2022, 2023. France Football recognizes him as a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA recognizes him as a record eight-time world's best player.
^ According to FC Barcelona, FIFA, Major League Soccer, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and multiple media outlets, Messi also won the 2005 Supercopa de España, bringing his Barcelona trophy total to 35—and his career total to 46. However, this particular trophy is not credited here since Messi was out of the squad and did not feature in any of the two games against Real Betis.

^ Does not include an unofficial friendly match played on 24 May 2008 in Barcelona between Argentina U23 and the Catalonia national football team, as Catalonia is not affiliated with either FIFA or UEFA as a national member association and is therefore not allowed to participate in official competitions.

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Sporting positions
Preceded byAndrés Iniesta	FC Barcelona captain 2018–2021	Succeeded bySergio Busquets

v t e Inter Miami CF – current squad
1 Callender 5 Busquets 6 Avilés 7 Picault 9 Suárez 10 Messi (c) 11 Farías 14 Martínez 15 Sailor 16 Taylor 17 Fray 18 Alba 19 Ustari 24 Gressel 26 Hall 30 Cremaschi 32 Allen 41 Ruiz 42 Bright 55 Redondo 57 Weigandt 62 Boatwright 73 Afonso 81 Morales Allende Luján Novo Segovia Head coach: Mascherano Assistant coach: Theiler Assistant coach: J. Morales Goalkeeping coach: Saja

Inter Miami CF – current squad

1 Callender
5 Busquets
6 Avilés
7 Picault
9 Suárez
10 Messi (c)
11 Farías
14 Martínez
15 Sailor
16 Taylor
17 Fray
18 Alba
19 Ustari
24 Gressel
26 Hall
30 Cremaschi
32 Allen
41 Ruiz
42 Bright
55 Redondo
57 Weigandt
62 Boatwright
73 Afonso
81 Morales
Allende
Luján
Novo
Segovia

Head coach: Mascherano
Assistant coach: Theiler
Assistant coach: J. Morales
Goalkeeping coach: Saja

Argentina squads

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina men's football squad – 2008 Summer Olympics – Gold medalists
1 Ustari (injured) 2 Garay 3 Monzón 4 Zabaleta 5 Gago 6 Fazio 7 Sosa 8 Banega 9 Lavezzi 10 Riquelme (c) 11 Di María 12 Pareja 13 Acosta 14 Mascherano 15 Messi 16 Agüero 17 Buonanotte 18 Romero 22 Navarro (injury replacement) Coach: Batista

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina squad – 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

v t e Argentina 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

v t e Argentina squad – 2019 Copa América third place
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

v t e Argentina squad – 2021 Copa América winners (15th title)
1 Armani 2 Martínez Quarta 3 Tagliafico 4 Montiel 5 Paredes 6 Pezzella 7 De Paul 8 Acuña 9 Agüero 10 Messi (c) 11 Di María 12 Marchesín 13 Romero 14 Palacios 15 González 16 J. Correa 17 Domínguez 18 Rodríguez 19 Otamendi 20 Lo Celso 21 Á. Correa 22 La. Martínez 23 E. Martínez 24 Gómez 25 Li. Martínez 26 Molina 27 Álvarez 28 Musso Coach: Scaloni

v t e Argentina squad – 2022 FIFA World Cup winners (3rd title)
1 Armani 2 Foyth 3 Tagliafico 4 Montiel 5 Paredes 6 Pezzella 7 De Paul 8 Acuña 9 Álvarez 10 Messi (c) 11 Di María 12 Rulli 13 Romero 14 Palacios 15 Correa 16 Almada 17 Gómez 18 Rodríguez 19 Otamendi 20 Mac Allister 21 Dybala 22 La. Martínez 23 E. Martínez 24 Fernández 25 Li. Martínez 26 Molina Coach: Scaloni

v t e Argentina squad – 2024 Copa América winners (16th title)
1 Armani 2 Martínez Quarta 3 Tagliafico 4 Montiel 5 Paredes 6 Pezzella 7 De Paul 8 Acuña 9 Álvarez 10 Messi (c) 11 Di María 12 Rulli 13 Romero 14 Palacios 15 González 16 Lo Celso 17 Garnacho 18 Rodríguez 19 Otamendi 20 Mac Allister 21 Carboni 22 La. Martínez 23 E. Martínez 24 Fernández 25 Li. Martínez 26 Molina Coach: Scaloni

Awards

2014 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament

Statistical Team

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	Marcos Rojo Mats Hummels Thiago Silva Stefan de Vrij
Midfielders	Oscar James Rodríguez Toni Kroos Philipp Lahm
Forwards	Thomas Müller Arjen Robben

Fans' Team

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	David Luiz Mats Hummels Thiago Silva Marcelo
Midfielders	Ángel Di María James Rodríguez Toni Kroos
Forwards	Lionel Messi Thomas Müller Neymar
Coach	Joachim Löw

v t e 2007 Copa América Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper	Doni
Defenders	Javier Zanetti Jonny Magallón Juan Jorge Fucile
Midfielders	Júlio Baptista Javier Mascherano Juan Román Riquelme
Forwards	Robinho Nery Castillo Lionel Messi

v t e 2011 Copa América Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper	Renny Vega
Defenders	Luis Amaranto Perea Diego Lugano Paulo da Silva
Midfielders	Javier Mascherano Fredy Guarín Álvaro Pereira Carlos Lobatón
Forwards	Lionel Messi Luis Suárez Paolo Guerrero
Coach	Óscar Tabárez

v t e 2015 Copa América Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper	Claudio Bravo
Defenders	Jeison Murillo Gary Medel Nicolás Otamendi
Midfielders	Christian Cueva Marcelo Díaz Javier Mascherano Arturo Vidal
Forwards	Eduardo Vargas Paolo Guerrero Lionel Messi
Coach	Jorge Sampaoli

v t e Copa América Centenario Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper	Claudio Bravo
Defenders	Mauricio Isla Nicolás Otamendi Gary Medel Jean Beausejour
Midfielders	Javier Mascherano Arturo Vidal Charles Aránguiz
Forwards	Eduardo Vargas Alexis Sánchez Lionel Messi

v t e 2021 Copa América Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper	Emiliano Martínez
Defenders	Pervis Estupiñán Marquinhos Cristian Romero Mauricio Isla
Midfielders	Yoshimar Yotún Casemiro Rodrigo De Paul
Forwards	Luis Díaz Neymar Lionel Messi

v t e 2024 Copa América Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper	Emiliano Martínez
Defenders	Piero Hincapié Davinson Sánchez Cristian Romero Alistair Johnston
Midfielders	James Rodríguez Manuel Ugarte Rodrigo De Paul
Forwards	Raphinha Lautaro Martínez Lionel Messi

v t e FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
1982: Rossi 1986: Maradona 1990: Schillaci 1994: Romário 1998: Ronaldo 2002: Kahn 2006: Zidane 2010: Forlán 2014: Messi 2018: Modrić 2022: Messi

FIFA World Cup winning captains

1930: Nasazzi
1934: Combi
1938: Meazza
1950: Varela
1954: Walter
1958: Bellini
1962: Mauro
1966: Moore
1970: Carlos Alberto
1974: Beckenbauer
1978: Passarella
1982: Zoff
1986: Maradona
1990: Matthäus
1994: Dunga
1998: Deschamps
2002: Cafu
2006: Cannavaro
2010: Casillas
2014: Lahm
2018: Lloris
2022: Messi

v t e Finalissima winning captains
1985: Platini 1993: Maradona 2022: Messi

South American Championship and Copa América top scorers

South American
Championship era

1916: Gradín
1917: Romano
1919: Friedenreich & Neco
1920: Pérez & Romano
1921: Libonatti
1922: Francia
1923: Aguirre & Petrone
1924: Petrone
1925: Seoane
1926: Arellano
1927: Carricaberry, Figueroa, Luna, Petrone & Scarone
1929: González
1935: Masantonio
1937: Toro
1939: Fernández
1941: Marvezzi
1942: Masantonio & Moreno
1945: De Freitas & Méndez
1946: Medina
1947: Falero
1949: Jair
1953: Molina
1955: Micheli
1956: Hormazábal
1957: Ambrois & Maschio
1959 (Argentina): Pelé
1959 (Ecuador): Sanfilippo
1963: Raffo
1967: Artime

Copa América era

1975: E. Díaz & Luque
1979: Morel & Peredo
1983: Aguilera, Burruchaga & Dinamite
1987: Iguarán
1989: Bebeto
1991: Batistuta
1993: Dolgetta
1995: Batistuta & García
1997: Hernández
1999: Rivaldo & Ronaldo
2001: Aristizábal
2004: Adriano
2007: Robinho
2011: Guerrero
2015: Guerrero & Vargas
2016: Vargas
2019: Everton & Guerrero
2021: L. Díaz & Messi
2024: Martínez

v t e South American Championship and Copa América Player of the Tournament
Unofficial award	1916: Gradín 1917: Scarone 1919: Friedenreich 1920: Piendibene 1921: Tesoriere 1922: Fortes 1923: Nasazzi 1924: Petrone 1925: Seoane 1926: Andrade 1927: Seoane 1929: Ferreira 1935: Nasazzi 1937: Mata 1939: Fernández 1941: Livingstone 1942: Varela 1945: Da Guia 1946: Pedernera 1947: Moreno 1949: Ademir 1953: Herrera 1955: Hormazábal 1956: Míguez 1957: Sívori 1959 (Argentina): Pelé 1959 (Ecuador): Silveira 1963: Blacut 1967: Rocha 1975: Cubillas 1979: Caszely 1983: Francescoli
Official award	1987: Valderrama 1989: Sosa 1991: L. Rodríguez 1993: Goycochea 1995: Francescoli 1997: Ronaldo 1999: Rivaldo 2001: Guevara 2004: Adriano 2007: Robinho 2011: Suárez 2015: Messi 2016: Sánchez 2019: Alves 2021: Messi 2024: J. Rodríguez
Messi was given the 2015 award, but rejected it. Argentina's staff was to receive the award.

v t e Copa América winning captains
1975: Chumpitaz 1979: Florentín 1983: Rodríguez 1987: Perdomo 1989: Ricardo Gomes 1991: Ruggeri 1993: Ruggeri 1995: Francescoli 1997: Dunga 1999: Rivaldo 2001: Córdoba 2004: Alex 2007: Gilberto Silva 2011: Lugano 2015: Bravo 2016: Bravo 2019: Alves 2021: Messi 2024: Messi

v t e FIFA U-20 World Cup awards
Golden 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: Lee Kang-in 2023: Casadei
Golden 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: Haaland 2023: Casadei
Golden Glove	2009: Alvarado 2011: Mika 2013: De Amores 2015: Rajković 2017: Woodman 2019: Lunin 2023: Desplanches

v t e Ballon d'Or
France Football magazine award
Ballon 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: Messi
FIFA Ballon d'Or (2010–2015)	2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: Messi
Ballon d'Or (2016–present)	2016: C. Ronaldo 2017: C. Ronaldo 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: not awarded 2021: Messi 2022: Benzema 2023: Messi 2024: Rodri
Ballon d'Or additional awards (Ballon d'Or Féminin, Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, Gerd Müller Trophy, Sócrates Award, Super Ballon d'Or, Ballon d'Or Dream Team) Related awards (French Player of the Year, FIFA Ballon d'Or (2010–2015), FIFA World Player of the Year (1991–2009), The Best FIFA Men's Player)

v t e The Best FIFA Men's Player
FIFA 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: Messi
FIFA Ballon d'Or	2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: Messi
The Best FIFA Men's Player	2016: C. Ronaldo 2017: C. Ronaldo 2018: Modrić 2019: Messi 2020: Lewandowski 2021: Lewandowski 2022: Messi 2023: Messi 2024: Vinícius
See also: Ballon d'Or

v t e FourFourTwo 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 2021: Lewandowski 2022: Haaland 2023: Haaland

v t e Globe Soccer Awards Best Player
Men's winners 2011: Ronaldo 2012: Falcao 2013: Ribéry 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Ronaldo 2018: Ronaldo 2019: Ronaldo 2020: Lewandowski 2021: Mbappé 2022: Benzema 2023: Haaland 2024: Vinícius Jr.
Women's winners 2019: Bronze 2020: not awarded 2021: Putellas 2022: Putellas 2023: Bonmatí 2024: Bonmatí

v t e IFFHS World's Best Player
Men's winners 1988: Van Basten 1989: Van Basten 1990: Matthäus 1991–2019: not awarded 2020: Lewandowski 2021: Lewandowski 2022: Messi 2023: Haaland 2024: Rodri
Women's winners 2020: Harder 2021: Putellas 2022: Putellas 2023: Bonmatí 2024: Bonmatí

v t e IFFHS World's Best Playmaker
Men's winners 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 2021: De Bruyne 2022: Messi 2023: De Bruyne 2024: Bellingham
Women's winners 2012: Marta 2013: Goeßling 2014: Keßler 2015: Lloyd 2016: Marozsán 2017: Martens 2018: Marozsán 2019: Rapinoe 2020: Marozsán 2021: Putellas 2022: Putellas 2023: Bonmatí 2024: Bonmatí

v t e IFFHS World's Best Top Goal Scorer
Men's winners 2011: C. Ronaldo 2012: Messi 2013: C. Ronaldo 2014: C. Ronaldo 2015: C. Ronaldo 2016: Messi 2017: Kane 2018: Bounedjah 2019: Hamdallah 2020: Lewandowski 2021: Lewandowski 2022: Mbappé 2023: C. Ronaldo
Women's winners 2021: Hermoso 2022: Kalma 2023: Chawinga

IFFHS World's Best International Goal Scorer

Men's winners

1991: Papin
1992: Bergkamp & Raí & Obando
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
2021: Lewandowski
2022: Messi
2023: Lukaku
2024: Rahimi

Women's winners

2021: White
2022: Kerr
2023: Banda
2024: Schüller

IFFHS World's Best Top Division Goal Scorer

Men's winners

1997: Şükür
1998: Kaviedes
1999: Jardel
2000: Jardel
2001: Castillo
2002: Botero
2003: Cardozo
2004: Galaz
2005: Araújo
2006: Huntelaar
2007: Afonso Alves
2008: Barrios
2009: Janko
2010: Suárez
2011: Čekulajevs
2012: Messi
2013: Messi
2014: C. Ronaldo & Suárez
2015: C. Ronaldo
2016: Suárez
2017: Messi
2018: Jonas & Messi
2019: Bounedjah
2020: C. Ronaldo
2021: Lewandowski
2022: Cano
2023: Kane
2024: Gyökeres

Women's winners

2021:

2022:

2023:

2024:

v t e FIFPRO Player of the Year awards
World Player of the Year	2005: Ronaldinho 2006: Ronaldinho 2007: Kaká 2008: Ronaldo
Young Player of the Year	2005: Rooney 2006: Messi 2007: Messi 2008: Messi

Onze 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
2019–20: not awarded
2020–21: Benzema
2021–22: Benzema
2022–23: Haaland

v t e UEFA 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

v t e UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award
UEFA Best Player in Europe	2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Iniesta 2012–13: Ribéry 2013–14: Ronaldo 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: Ronaldo
UEFA Men's Player of the Year	2016–17: Ronaldo 2017–18: Modrić 2018–19: Van Dijk 2019–20: Lewandowski 2020–21: Jorginho 2021–22: Benzema 2022–23: Haaland

v t e UEFA Men's Club Football Awards
Best 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: Neuer 2020–21: Mendy
Best 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: Kimmich 2020–21: Dias
Best 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 Bruyne 2020–21: Kanté
Best 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 2020–21: Haaland

Footballer of the Year of Argentina

Original 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: Messi
2020: Messi
2021: Messi
2022: Messi
2023: Messi

Shared award

Domestic	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. Martínez
Abroad	2008: Messi 2009: Messi 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: Messi 2014: Di María 2015: Messi 2016: Messi 2017: Messi

v t e Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano
2007–08: Raúl 2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Ronaldo 2012–13: Ronaldo 2013–14: Ronaldo 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: Ronaldo 2016–17: Messi 2017–18: Messi 2018–19: Messi 2019–20: Benzema 2020–21: Suárez 2021–22: Benzema 2022–23: Ter Stegen 2023–24: Vinícius Jr.

v t e La Liga Best Player of the Year – LFP Awards
2008–09: Messi 2009–10: Messi 2010–11: Messi 2011–12: Messi 2012–13: Messi 2013–14: Ronaldo 2014–15: Messi 2015–16: Griezmann

La 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

v t e La Liga Forward of the Year - LFP Awards
2009: Messi 2010: Messi 2011: Messi 2012: Messi 2013: Messi 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Messi 2017: Messi 2018: Messi 2019: Messi 2020: Benzema 2021: Messi 2022: Benzema 2023: Lewandowski

EFE 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: not awarded
2019–20: Santos & Casemiro
2020–21: Suárez
2021–22: Vinícius Jr.
2022–23: Vinícius Jr.

Landon Donovan MVP Award

1996: Valderrama
1997: Preki
1998: Etcheverry
1999: Kreis
2000: Meola
2001: Pineda Chacón
2002: Ruiz
2003: Preki
2004: Guevara
2005: Twellman
2006: Gómez
2007: Emílio
2008: Barros Schelotto
2009: Donovan
2010: Ferreira
2011: De Rosario
2012: Wondolowski
2013: Magee
2014: Keane
2015: Giovinco
2016: Villa
2017: Valeri
2018: Martínez
2019: Vela
2020: Pozuelo
2021: Gil
2022: Mukhtar
2023: Acosta
2024: Messi

v t e Golden 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 2021: Pedri 2022: Gavi 2023: Bellingham 2024: Yamal

Bravo 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

v t e FIFA Club World Cup / FIFA Intercontinental Cup Golden Ball
FIFA Club World Cup	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 2021: Thiago Silva 2022: Vinícius Jr. 2023: Rodri
FIFA Intercontinental Cup	2024: Vinícius Jr.

v t e European Golden Shoe
L'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: Pančev
Unofficial	1991–92: McCoist 1992–93: McCoist 1993–94: Taylor 1994–95: Avetisyan 1995–96: Endeladze
ESM 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 2020–21: Lewandowski 2021–22: Lewandowski 2022–23: Haaland 2023–24: Kane

European Cup and UEFA Champions League top scorers

European Cup era

1956: Milutinović
1957: Viollet
1958: Di Stéfano
1959: Fontaine
1960: Puskás
1961: J. Águas
1962: Di Stéfano, Løfqvist, Puskás, Strehl & Tejada
1963: Altafini
1964: Kovačević, Mazzola & Puskás
1965: Eusébio & Torres
1966: Albert & Eusébio
1967: Piepenburg & Van Himst
1968: Eusébio
1969: Law
1970: Jones
1971: Antoniadis
1972: Dunai, Macari & Takač
1973: Müller
1974: Müller
1975: Markarov & Müller
1976: Heynckes
1977: Cucinotta & Müller
1978: Simonsen
1979: Sulser
1980: Lerby
1981: McDermott, Rummenigge & Souness
1982: Hoeneß
1983: Rossi
1984: Sokol
1985: Nilsson & Platini
1986: Nilsson
1987: Cvetković
1988: R. Águas, Ferreri, Hagi, Madjer, McCoist, Míchel & Novák
1989: Van Basten
1990: Papin & Romário
1991: Pacult & Papin
1992: Papin & Yuran

UEFA Champions League era

La Liga top scorers

FIFA Club World Cup / FIFA Intercontinental Cup top scorers

2000: Anelka & Romário
2005: Amoroso, Crouch, Noor & Saborío
2006: Aboutrika
2007: Washington
2008: Rooney
2009: Denílson
2010: Molina
2011: Messi & Adriano
2012: Delgado & Satō
2013: Ronaldinho, Conca, Delgado & Iajour
2014: Bale, Ramos & Torrado
2015: Suárez
2016: Ronaldo
2017: Ronaldo, Romarinho & Antônio
2018: Bale & Borré
2019: Bounedjah & Elhouni
2020: Gignac
2021: Lukaku, Veiga, Ibrahim & Diaby
2022: Pedro
2023: Alvarez, Maâloul & Benzema
2024: Rahimi

Copa 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 & Luís Fabiano
2010: Maxi
2011: Messi & 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
2022: Iglesias
2023: García
2024: Abdón & Douvikas & Villalibre

v t e Leagues Cup top scorers
2019: Ibargüen 2021: Mena 2023: Messi 2024: Baribo

2007 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Buffon
Defenders	Fabio Cannavaro Alessandro Nesta Carles Puyol John Terry
Midfielders	Steven Gerrard Kaká Cristiano Ronaldo
Forwards	Didier Drogba Lionel Messi Ronaldinho

2008 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Iker Casillas
Defenders	Rio Ferdinand Carles Puyol Sergio Ramos John Terry
Midfielders	Steven Gerrard Kaká Xavi
Forwards	Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Fernando Torres

2009 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Iker Casillas
Defenders	Dani Alves Patrice Evra John Terry Nemanja Vidić
Midfielders	Steven Gerrard Andrés Iniesta Xavi
Forwards	Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Fernando Torres

2010 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Iker Casillas
Defenders	Lúcio Maicon Gerard Piqué Carles Puyol
Midfielders	Andrés Iniesta Wesley Sneijder Xavi
Forwards	Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo David Villa

2011 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Iker Casillas
Defenders	Dani Alves Gerard Piqué Sergio Ramos Nemanja Vidić
Midfielders	Xabi Alonso Andrés Iniesta Xavi
Forwards	Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Wayne Rooney

2012 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Iker Casillas
Defenders	Dani Alves Marcelo Gerard Piqué Sergio Ramos
Midfielders	Xabi Alonso Andrés Iniesta Xavi
Forwards	Radamel Falcao Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

2013 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	Dani Alves Philipp Lahm Sergio Ramos Thiago Silva
Midfielders	Andrés Iniesta Franck Ribéry Xavi
Forwards	Zlatan Ibrahimović Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

2014 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	David Luiz Philipp Lahm Sergio Ramos Thiago Silva
Midfielders	Ángel Di María Andrés Iniesta Toni Kroos
Forwards	Arjen Robben Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi

2015 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	Dani Alves Marcelo Sergio Ramos Thiago Silva
Midfielders	Andrés Iniesta Luka Modrić Paul Pogba
Forwards	Lionel Messi Neymar Cristiano Ronaldo

2016 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	Dani Alves Marcelo Gerard Piqué Sergio Ramos
Midfielders	Andrés Iniesta Toni Kroos Luka Modrić
Forwards	Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Luis Suárez

2017 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Buffon
Defenders	Dani Alves Leonardo Bonucci Marcelo Sergio Ramos
Midfielders	Andrés Iniesta Toni Kroos Luka Modrić
Forwards	Lionel Messi Neymar Cristiano Ronaldo

2018 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	David De Gea
Defenders	Dani Alves Marcelo Sergio Ramos Raphaël Varane
Midfielders	Eden Hazard N'Golo Kanté Luka Modrić
Forwards	Kylian Mbappé Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

2019 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Alisson
Defenders	Matthijs de Ligt Marcelo Sergio Ramos Virgil van Dijk
Midfielders	Frenkie de Jong Eden Hazard Luka Modrić
Forwards	Kylian Mbappé Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

2020 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Alisson
Defenders	Trent Alexander-Arnold Alphonso Davies Sergio Ramos Virgil van Dijk
Midfielders	Kevin De Bruyne Joshua Kimmich Thiago
Forwards	Robert Lewandowski Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

2021 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders	David Alaba Leonardo Bonucci Rúben Dias
Midfielders	Kevin De Bruyne Jorginho N'Golo Kanté
Forwards	Erling Haaland Robert Lewandowski Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

2022 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Thibaut Courtois
Defenders	João Cancelo Achraf Hakimi Virgil van Dijk
Midfielders	Casemiro Kevin De Bruyne Luka Modrić
Forwards	Karim Benzema Erling Haaland Kylian Mbappé Lionel Messi

2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

Goalkeeper	Thibaut Courtois
Defenders	Rúben Dias John Stones Kyle Walker
Midfielders	Jude Bellingham Kevin De Bruyne Bernardo Silva
Forwards	Erling Haaland Kylian Mbappé Lionel Messi Vinícius Júnior

v t e 2008 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

v t e 2009 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

v t e 2010 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

v t e 2011 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

v t e 2012 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

v t e 2014 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

v t e 2015 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

v t e 2016 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

v t e 2017 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

v t e 2018 UEFA Team of the Year
GK: Ter Stegen RB: Ramos CB: van Dijk CB: Varane LB: Marcelo MF: Modrić MF: Kanté MF: Hazard MF: Kylian Mbappé FW: Messi FW: C. Ronaldo

v t e 2019 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: Ronaldo FW: Lewandowski LW: Mané

v t e 2020 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

v t e 2014–15 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

v t e 2015–16 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

v t e 2022–23 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year
GK: Samba DF: Hakimi DF: Mbemba DF: Danso DF: Mendes MF: Thuram MF: Rongier MF: Fofana FW: Messi FW: Openda FW: Mbappé

v t e 2024 MLS Best XI
GK: Kahlina DF: Alba DF: Gómez DF: Moreira MF: Acosta MF: Evander MF: Puig FW: Benteke FW: Bouanga FW: Hernández FW: Messi

v t e Sports Illustrated Soccer 2000s All-Decade Team
Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Buffon
Defenders	Cafu Fabio Cannavaro Paolo Maldini Roberto Carlos
Midfielders	Cristiano Ronaldo Zinedine Zidane Patrick Vieira Lionel Messi Ronaldinho
Forwards	Ronaldo
Manager	Guus Hiddink

v t e UEFA All-time XI
Goalkeeper	Iker Casillas
Defenders	Philipp Lahm Carles Puyol Gerard Piqué Sergio Ramos
Midfielders	Andrés Iniesta Steven Gerrard Xavi
Forwards	Cristiano Ronaldo Thierry Henry Lionel Messi

Ballon d'Or Dream Team

First Team

Goalkeeper	Lev Yashin
Defenders	Cafu Franz Beckenbauer Paolo Maldini
Midfielders	Diego Maradona Xavi Lothar Matthäus Pelé
Forwards	Lionel Messi Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo

Second Team

Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Buffon
Defenders	Carlos Alberto Franco Baresi Roberto Carlos
Midfielders	/ Alfredo Di Stéfano Andrea Pirlo Frank Rijkaard Zinedine Zidane
Forwards	Garrincha Johan Cruyff Ronaldinho

Third Team

Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	Philipp Lahm Sergio Ramos Paul Breitner
Midfielders	Michel Platini Johan Neeskens Didi Andrés Iniesta
Forwards	George Best Marco van Basten Thierry Henry

IFFHS All-time Men's World Dream Team

Dream Team

Goalkeeper	Lev Yashin
Defenders	Cafu Franz Beckenbauer Franco Baresi Paolo Maldini
Midfielders	Xavi Diego Maradona Johan Cruyff
Forwards	Cristiano Ronaldo Pelé Lionel Messi

B Team

Goalkeeper	Gianluigi Buffon
Defenders	Carlos Alberto Bobby Moore Daniel Passarella Roberto Carlos
Midfielders	Lothar Matthäus Zinedine Zidane Michel Platini
Forwards	Ronaldo Gerd Müller / Alfredo Di Stéfano

v t e IFFHS All-time Men's South American Dream Team
Goalkeeper	Amadeo Carrizo
Defenders	Cafu Elías Figueroa Daniel Passarella Roberto Carlos
Midfielders	Didi Diego Maradona Zico
Forwards	Alfredo Di Stéfano Pelé Lionel Messi

v t e IFFHS World's Man Team of the Decade 2011–2020
Goalkeeper	Manuel Neuer
Defenders	Philipp Lahm Sergio Ramos Virgil van Dijk Marcelo
Midfielders	Toni Kroos Andrés Iniesta Luka Modrić
Forwards	Lionel Messi Robert Lewandowski Cristiano Ronaldo

v t e Aldo Rovira Trophy
Men's winners 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 2020–21: Pedri 2021–22: Gavi 2022–23: Ter Stegen
Women's winners 2020–21: Putellas 2021–22: Putellas 2022–23: Bonmatí

v t e Premi Barça Jugadors
Men's winners 2009–10: Bojan 2010–11: Iniesta 2011–12: Xavi 2012–13: Xavi 2013–14: Puyol 2014–15: Mascherano 2015–16: Messi 2016–17: Roberto 2017–18: Rakitić 2018–19: not awarded 2019–20: Ter Stegen 2020–21: de Jong 2021–22: Pedri 2022–23: Ter Stegen 2023–24: Yamal
Women's winners 2019–20: Putellas 2020–21: Bonmatí 2021–22: Bonmatí 2022–23: Bonmatí 2023–24: Bonmatí

Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year

BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year

1960: Herb Elliott
1961: Valeriy Brumel
1962: Donald Jackson
1963: Jacques Anquetil
1964: Abebe Bikila
1965: Ron Clarke & Gary Player
1966: Eusébio & Garfield Sobers
1967: George Moore
1968: Ludmila Belousova & Oleg Protopopov
1969: Rod Laver
1970: Pelé
1971: Lee Trevino
1972: Olga Korbut
1973: Muhammad Ali
1974: Muhammad Ali
1975: Arthur Ashe
1976: Nadia Comăneci
1977: Niki Lauda
1978: Muhammad Ali
1979: Björn Borg
1980: Jack Nicklaus
1981: Chris Evert
1982: Jimmy Connors
1983: Carl Lewis
1984: Seve Ballesteros
1985: Boris Becker
1986: Greg Norman
1987: Martina Navratilova
1988: Steffi Graf
1989: Mike Tyson
1990: Mal Meninga
1991: Mike Powell
1992: Andre Agassi
1993: Greg Norman
1994: Brian Lara
1995: Jonah Lomu
1996: Evander Holyfield & Michael Johnson
1997: Martina Hingis
1998: Mark O'Meara
1999: Maurice Greene
2000: Tiger Woods
2001: Goran Ivanišević
2002: Ronaldo
2003: ~~Lance Armstrong~~
2004: Roger Federer
2005: Shane Warne
2006: Roger Federer
2007: Roger Federer
2008: Usain Bolt
2009: Usain Bolt
2010: Rafael Nadal
2011: Novak Djokovic
2012: Usain Bolt
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo
2015: Dan Carter
2016: Simone Biles
2017: Roger Federer
2018: Francesco Molinari
2019: Eliud Kipchoge
2020: Khabib Nurmagomedov
2021: Rachael Blackmore
2022: Lionel Messi
2023: Erling Haaland
2024: Armand Duplantis

L'Équipe Champion of Champions

Original award

Male and female
awards separated

Male award	2012: Usain Bolt 2013: Rafael Nadal 2014: Renaud Lavillenie 2015: Usain Bolt 2016: Usain Bolt 2017: Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal 2018: Marcel Hirscher 2019: Rafael Nadal 2020: Lewis Hamilton 2021: Novak Djokovic 2022: Lionel Messi 2023: Novak Djokovic 2024: Léon Marchand
Female award	2012: Serena Williams 2013: Serena Williams 2014: Katie Ledecky 2015: Serena Williams 2016: Simone Biles 2017: Katie Ledecky 2018: Simone Biles 2019: Simone Biles 2020: Marte Olsbu Røiseland 2021: Elaine Thompson-Herah 2022: Iga Świątek 2023: Simone Biles 2024: Simone Biles

v t e Best International Athlete ESPY Award winners
2006: Pujols 2007: Federer 2008: Nadal 2009: Bolt 2010–2011: Award not given 2012: Messi 2013: Bolt 2014: Ronaldo 2015: Messi 2016: Ronaldo 2017: Bolt 2018: Ronaldo 2019: Messi 2020: Award not given 2021: Ronaldo 2022: Mbappé

v t e Notable people from Rosario
Culture	Roberto Fontanarrosa Lucio Fontana José Bonaparte Guillermo Gianninazzi Erminio Blotta Juan-David Nasio Leticia Cossettini Olga Cossettini
Sport	Vicente de la Mata Marcelo Bielsa Juan Imhoff César Menotti Ángel Di María Mauro Icardi Éver Banega César Delgado Kily González Marcelo Delgado Luciano Figueroa Edgardo Bauza Lionel Messi Ezequiel Garay Maxi Rodríguez Tomás Carlovich
Politics	Che Guevara Agustín Rossi Lisandro de la Torre
Entertainment	Libertad Lamarque Alberto Olmedo Darío Grandinetti Luis Machín Renata Fronzi Juan Carlos Baglietto Fito Páez Liliana Herrero Litto Nebbia José Cura Angélica Gorodischer Daniel Rivera

Categories:

Latest revision as of 08:24, 18 January 2025

Early life

Youth career

Newell's Old Boys (1995–2000)

Barcelona (2000–2004)

Club career

Barcelona (2004–2021)

2004–2008: Rise to the first team

2008–2012: Success under Pep Guardiola

2012–2014: Record-breaking year and Messidependencia

2014–2017: Arrival of Luis Enrique and birth of MSN

2017–2021: Final years at Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)

Inter Miami (2023–present)

International career

Player profile

Style of play

Tactical positioning

Reception

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo

Comparisons with Diego Maradona

In popular culture

Popularity

Wealth and sponsorships

Philanthropy

Public art

Media

Business ventures

Personal life

Family and relationships

Tax fraud

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

See also

Notes

References

External links