Lionel Messi

The journey of the greatest footballer of all time

Explore Career
7 Ballon d'Or
800+ Career Goals
40 Major Trophies

Career Timeline

2003-2004

FC Barcelona Debut

FC Barcelona

Made his first-team debut at age 17, becoming the youngest player to score a league goal for Barcelona.

Young Messi at Barcelona
2009

First Ballon d'Or

FC Barcelona

Won his first Ballon d'Or award after helping Barcelona achieve the historic sextuple.

Messi with first Ballon d'Or
2012

91 Goals in a Year

FC Barcelona

Set the record for most goals in a calendar year, breaking Gerd Müller's long-standing record.

Messi scoring a goal
2015

Second Treble

FC Barcelona

Led Barcelona to their second treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League.

Messi with Champions League trophy
2021

Copa América Victory

Argentina

Won his first major international trophy with Argentina, being named player of the tournament.

Messi with Copa America trophy
2022

World Cup Glory

Argentina

Captained Argentina to World Cup victory, scoring 7 goals and winning the Golden Ball award.

Messi with World Cup trophy
2023

Eighth Ballon d'Or

Inter Miami

Won his record eighth Ballon d'Or after leading Argentina to World Cup victory.

Messi with eighth Ballon d'Or

Major Trophies

1

FIFA World Cup

2022 - Qatar

4

Champions League

2006, 2009, 2011, 2015

10

La Liga Titles

2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

7

Ballon d'Or

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2023

1

Copa América

2021 - Brazil

3

FIFA Club World Cup

2009, 2011, 2015

Historic Records

Most Goals in a Calendar Year

91 goals in 2012 (79 with Barcelona, 12 with Argentina)

Most Ballon d'Or Awards

7 Ballon d'Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2023)

Most Goals in La Liga

474 goals in 520 appearances for Barcelona

Most Assists in La Liga

192 assists in 520 appearances for Barcelona

First Player to Win Golden Ball at Two World Cups

2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments