The Top 10 Best Moments of Lionel Messi’s Career: Goals, Trophies, and Records
Lionel Messi is a name that is synonymous with football excellence. Over the years, Messi has established himself as one of the greatest football players of all time. His incredible skill, creativity, and technical ability have set him apart from his peers, and he has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best moments of Lionel Messi’s career, including his most significant goals, trophies, and records.
Early Career
Lionel Messi’s football journey began when he was just six years old. He joined his local club, Grandoli, before moving on to Newell’s Old Boys. Messi’s talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly caught the attention of scouts from the famous La Masia academy at FC Barcelona. At the age of 13, Messi moved to Spain to join the Barcelona youth team, and the rest is history.
First La Liga Title
In the 2004-2005 season, Lionel Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona. The following year, he helped the team win their first La Liga title in six years. Messi scored six goals in 17 appearances, and his performances earned him a place in the FIFA World Cup All-Star team.
First Champions League Title
Lionel Messi’s first Champions League title came in the 2005-2006 season. Although he did not play in the final against Arsenal, Messi made a significant contribution to the team’s journey to the final, scoring twice in the quarter-finals against Benfica.
Record-Breaking Season
The 2011-2012 season was one of Lionel Messi’s most remarkable. He broke numerous records, including Gerd Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year. Messi scored an incredible 91 goals in total that season, including 50 in La Liga and 14 in the Champions League.
The 2014 World Cup
Although Lionel Messi has not yet won a World Cup, his performance in the 2014 tournament was exceptional. He scored four goals and provided one assist, leading Argentina to the final. Although they were ultimately beaten by Germany, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.
The 2015 Treble
In the 2014-2015 season, Lionel Messi played a crucial role in Barcelona’s treble-winning campaign. He scored 43 goals in all competitions, including two in the Champions League final against Juventus. Messi’s performances that season earned him a fifth Ballon d’Or award.
The 2018 World Cup
Lionel Messi’s performances in the 2018 World Cup were a mixed bag. Although he scored one of the goals of the tournament in Argentina’s opening game against Iceland, the team struggled to make an impact and were knocked out in the round of 16 by eventual winners France.
The 2019 La Liga Title
In the 2018-2019 season, Lionel Messi led Barcelona to their 26th La Liga title. Messi scored 36 goals in 34 games, finishing as the league’s top scorer for the sixth time in his career.
The 2021 Copa America
Lionel Messi’s international career has often been the subject of criticism, but he silenced his critics with his performances in the 2021 Copa America. Messi led Argentina to victory, scoring four goals and providing five assists in the tournament. He was named the player of the tournament, and his first major international trophy was a moment that he and his country will never forget.
The 2010 World Cup Goal Against Germany
The 2010 World Cup saw Lionel Messi at his best, and one of his standout moments was his goal against Germany in the quarter-finals. In a tight game, Messi received the ball on the edge of the box, dribbled past several defenders, and unleashed a shot into the top corner of the net. Despite Argentina’s eventual defeat, Messi’s goal was one of the highlights of the tournament.
Breaking Gerd Muller’s Record
In December 2012, Lionel Messi broke Gerd Muller’s record for most goals in a calendar year. Muller’s record of 85 goals in 1972 had stood for 40 years, but Messi surpassed it by scoring 91 goals in 2012. This incredible feat solidified Messi’s status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The 2015 Champions League Final
In the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus, Lionel Messi put on a masterclass performance. He scored one goal and assisted another as Barcelona won 3-1 to claim their fifth European Cup. Messi’s goal was a moment of individual brilliance, as he dribbled past several Juventus defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
The 2014-2015 Treble
The 2014-2015 season was one of the most successful in Barcelona’s history, and Lionel Messi played a significant role in their success. Messi scored 43 goals in all competitions as Barcelona won the treble – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. This achievement was a testament to Messi’s incredible talent and his ability to perform at the highest level consistently.
The 2016-2017 La Liga Title
In the 2016-2017 season, Barcelona was trailing Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. However, Lionel Messi’s form in the second half of the season propelled Barcelona to the title. Messi scored 12 goals in the last 11 games of the season, including a last-minute winner against Real Madrid in the Clasico. This achievement demonstrated Messi’s ability to carry his team to success in crucial moments.
