Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the number one football player in the world for several compelling reasons related to his unparalleled career achievements, unique playing style, profound influence on the sport, and records that compare favorably with other football legends.

His journey from a young prodigy to a global icon serves as an inspiring story for aspiring players, especially young athletes developing a passion for soccer.

Career Achievements and Awards:
Messi’s career is marked by an extraordinary collection of trophies and awards that stand as a testament to his skill and dedication.

Since his professional debut with FC Barcelona at age 17, he has won a record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or awards (as of 2023), the prestigious honor given to the world’s best player annually.

He has helped his clubs accumulate 44 major trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, four UEFA Champions League titles, three FIFA Club World Cups, and multiple UEFA Super Cups.

Internationally, Messi has led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, further cementing his legacy on the global stage, along with an Olympic Gold and U20 World Cup early in his career.

His transition to Paris Saint-Germain added two Ligue 1 titles to his record, showing his adaptability and sustained success across leagues .

Statistical Milestones and Records:
Messi's statistics underline his dominance in football history.

He holds the record for being Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals, surpassing even Pelé's record for the most goals scored with one club.

He set the record for the most goals in a single European league season with 50 goals during La Liga’s 2011-2012 season, and scored a staggering 91 official goals in 2012—the highest by any player in a calendar year.

Additionally, he is the top scorer in La Liga history with 474 goals and holds the record for the most goals scored for Argentina internationally with 108 goals.

His overall tally exceeds 700 goals for club and country combined, reflecting outstanding consistency and effectiveness as a forward .

Playing Style and Unique Qualities:
Messi’s playing style is characterized by his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, rapid acceleration, precise shooting, and strategic vision.

Despite his modest stature of 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches), his low center of gravity greatly enhances his agility and balance, enabling him to maneuver past defenders with extraordinary ease.

His technical excellence, combined with his speed and intelligence on the field, allows him to create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates through assists.

Often praised for his humility and dedication to continual improvement, Messi attributes his talents to hard work and natural gifts, setting a positive example of perseverance and passion for young players .

Influence on Football and Role as a Role Model:
Messi's influence extends far beyond his statistics.

He is widely considered the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) by fans, players, and experts alike due to his longevity, consistency, and ability to perform decisively in critical moments.

His leadership on and off the pitch, emotional strength, and sportsmanship have inspired millions worldwide.

He has shaped the culture of football, encouraging young players to develop their skills, sportsmanship, and dedication.

Peers and coaches have often highlighted his professionalism and humility, which enrich his reputation as a role model.

Messi’s victories with Argentina, particularly the 2022 FIFA World Cup win, fulfilled a long-standing ambition and added an iconic chapter to football history, inspiring national pride and worldwide admiration .

Comparison with Other Football Legends:
Comparing Messi with other football greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Pelé solidifies his place at the summit of football excellence.

While Ronaldo closely matches Messi in goals and titles, Messi’s combination of playmaking, vision, and dribbling skills is often cited as superior.

In terms of World Cup appearances, Messi has played more matches (26) than Maradona (21), maintaining high levels of performance in goals and assists per game, which pushes his claim as the ultimate football GOAT.

His records for individual performance, consistency, and influence across multiple leagues and international stages surpass those of most others, including the legendary Pelé, whose single-club goal record Messi broke.

Messi’s balance of scoring prowess and creative play uniquely distinguishes him in football history .

In summary, Lionel Messi’s status as the number one football player in the world is supported by his magnificent trophy cabinet, unmatched scoring records, distinctive playing style, and his inspirational impact on the sport globally.

For your son, Messi’s story embodies the rewards of dedication, relentless effort, passion for the game, and humility, making him a perfect role model.

Learning about Messi’s journey—from overcoming physical challenges in his youth to achieving greatness through hard work—can motivate a young player to pursue soccer with confidence and joy, knowing that success is attainable through perseverance and love for the sport.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the number one football player in the world for several compelling reasons related to his unparalleled career achievements, unique playing style, profound influence on the sport, and records that compare favorably with other football legends.

Title:

Content: What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

News

What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has left an indelible mark on the world of football. From his early days at FC Barcelona to his international success with the Argentine national team, Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi showed immense talent from a young age. He joined the Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13, where he honed his skills and developed his unique playing style. Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004, at the age of 17, and quickly became a key player for the club.

Playing Style and Skills
Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and lightning-fast speed. His low center of gravity allows him to change direction quickly, leaving defenders in his wake. His vision and passing accuracy are also remarkable, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. However, it is his goal-scoring prowess that truly sets him apart. Messi has an incredible ability to find the back of the net, often with stunning precision and creativity.

Records and Achievements
Throughout his career, Messi has shattered numerous records and achieved countless milestones. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or, which he has claimed a record-breaking seven times. Messi has also led Barcelona to numerous domestic and international titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

FAQ

Q: What is Messi’s playing position?
A: Messi primarily plays as a forward or attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to excel in various positions on the field.

Q: Has Messi ever won the FIFA World Cup?
A: Despite his immense success at the club level, Messi has yet to win the FIFA World Cup with the Argentine national team. However, he has led Argentina to the finals in 2014 and has won several other international tournaments, including the Copa America.

Q: How many goals has Messi scored in his career?
A: As of 2021, Messi has scored over 700 goals in official matches for both club and country.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability. His playing style, records, and achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Whether it is his mesmerizing dribbles or his ability to find the back of the net, Messi’s impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

His journey from a young prodigy to a global icon serves as an inspiring story for aspiring players, especially young athletes developing a passion for soccer.

Title:

Content: Some are hard to break.
Messi ’ s best records on his 37th birthday
2024-06-24 | 06: 20
Alsumaria News – Sport
Lionel Messi ’ s record has reached a staggering 37, with more to be added during his current appearance at the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
This coincides with the celebration of the Argentine football legend's 37th year on Monday, June 24, 2024.
In Argentina's first match against Canada (2 – 0), Messi became the most played player in the history of the tournament (35 games).
He aspires to become the tournament ’ s historic scorer, surpassing compatriot Tocho Mendez and Brazilian Zizinho (17 goals), who has so far scored 13 goals.
Lionel Messi ’ s record was set by the Argentinian flea at the start of his professional football career in Barcelona in 2004, which lasted until 2021, where he won all the individual and collective awards, most notably the historical hexagon in 2009 and the second historical treble in 2015.
He then moved to Paris Saint-Germain due to economic problems in Barcelona, and played in France until 2023, and after winning the World Cup in Qatar 2022, he decided to end his career in the ranks of Inter Miami.
* Lionel Messi 's most notable records:
Official Titles:
He holds the highest number of official titles in history (44).
Golden Ball: The most awarded Golden Ball (8).
The Golden Shoe: The Most Winning Golden Shoe (6)
Goals in a calendar year: He entered the Guinness Book of World Records with 91 goals in 2012.
International matches:
The player with the most matches with the Albesiliste (183).
International Goals:
Most goals scored with Argentina (108).
Argentina World Cup goalscorer: 13 goals.
Registration for four World Cups: 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Argentina's youngest goalscorer at the World Cup: 18 years, 357 days.
South America's top scorer for the World Cup:
31 goals.
Number of World Cups: 5.
Number of matches in the World Cup: 26.
Most minutes in the World Cup: 2,314 minutes.
Number of times as captain in the World Cup: 19 games.
Crucial goals and passes at the World Cup: 13 goals and 8 passes (most)
World Cup Ballon d'Or: Won twice (2014 and 2022).
Player of the Match Award in the World Cup: 14 times.
Registration in different stages of the World Cup in the same version.
Lionel Messi ’ s World Cup record: scoring at different ages.
The longest time between the first and last goal of the World Cup: 16 years, 6 months and 2 days.
First scoring in the highest number of World Cup matches: 8.
Most scoring captain in the World Cup final: 2 goals.
Copa America: 35 games.
Number of crucial passes in the Copa America: 18.
Highest number of La Liga titles for foreigners: 10.
Top scorer for the same team:
672 goals for Barcelona.
Spanish league goalscorer: 474 goals.
History of Spain: 26 goals.
Most goals in a season of La Liga: 50 goals (2011 – 12).
Most assists in a season of La Liga: 21 (2019 / 20).
Crucial passes in La Liga: 193.
Spanish football: 36 times.
Successive goals in La Liga matches: scored in 21 consecutive matches (2012 / 13 season).
Pechichi Award as Lagha goalscorer: 8 times.
Top scorer in the Champions League with the same club: 120 goals with Barcelona.
Goals in the largest number of clubs in the Champions League: 40 teams.
Fastest scoring 100 goals in the Champions League: 123 games.
Lionel Messi ’ s record makes him an unforgettable legend in the world of football.
These numbers are not just statistics, they are a testament to the dedication, talent and superior ability to shine through the toughest situations and biggest tournaments.
With his many achievements, Messi remains a symbol of creativity and sporting excellence, and continues to inspire future generations of footballers around the world.
As he continues to play in tournaments, we can expect more historic moments and records to add to his impressive record.
Alsumaria Tv https: / / www.alsumaria.tv / authors
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Career Achievements and Awards:
Messi’s career is marked by an extraordinary collection of trophies and awards that stand as a testament to his skill and dedication.

Title:

Content: Lionel Messi, Argentina

The number one player on this list is obvious: the world’s biggest star, the game’s best talent for over 15 years now, and top three among the all-time greats. Messi’s dazzling skill for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has earned four Champions Leagues, 11 domestic league titles across Spain and France, and a record seven Ballon D’Or trophies — soccer’s most famous player of the year award.

Last year, he finally lifted silverware with Argentina, delivering the country’s record-tying 15th Copa América. It was the nation’s first continental crown since 1993, and Messi was runner-up in 2007, 2015 and 2016. The last two came after a runner-up finish at the 2014 World Cup.

At age 35, Messi doesn’t have the speed he used to, but he has as much skill and guile as ever. And he has a stacked squad of Argentina teammates that complement him and bring their own firepower: Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Ángel Di María (Juventus), Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid), and a crown-jewel young prospect in Julián Álvarez (Manchester City).

They’re fired up, they’re hungry, and they’re on a 35-game winning streak dating back to 2019. If Argentina win it all, the triumph will be celebrated across the globe, and Messi will be enshrined above Pelé and Diego Maradona as the greatest of all time.

» READ MORE: Lionel Messi's Argentina beat Andre Blake's Jamaica in a World Cup warmup game

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

He’s Messi’s longtime foil, among fans worldwide and for years in Spain. When Ronaldo was at Real Madrid and Messi was at Barcelona, the world stopped for two hours.

The debate was also fueled by their national team feats. Ronaldo has five European Cups to Messi’s four, and for five years he had the national team trophy that Messi didn’t: the 2016 European Championship.

As with any great sports rivalry, fans of one of the players often disdain the other. But Ronaldo, it must be said, is rather more disdainable. Yes, he’s got an outrageous career goals total, with 701 club goals in 949 games and 117 national team goals in 191 caps. And he’s got a body that seems to have been sculpted by the Greek gods, not just the soccer gods.

He’s also got an ego to match, and it rubs a lot of people the wrong way. He isn’t afraid to throw a public tantrum, as he did just a few days ago about his lack of playing time at Manchester United. And he stood accused for over a decade of committing a rape in 2009 in Las Vegas. A lawsuit about it was dismissed this past June.

Ronaldo is 37 now. This will be his last World Cup. Will he go out with a swan song, or with another combustion?

» READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo played against the Union with Real Madrid in 2011

Kylian Mbappé, France

France’s 2018 World Cup title launched a then-19-year-old Mbappé to superstardom. He’s still there, as the flagship player for his country and its biggest club, Paris Saint-Germain. In fact, he’s such a big deal that French president Emmanuel Macron reportedly asked Mbappé to turn down a move to Real Madrid this summer.

We’ll never know if it truly helped, because PSG -- which is owned by Qatari royals -- had the money to keep Mbappé. The club also gave Mbappé a lot of power off the field, and he has used it to build his business interests.

Now comes a new challenge: lifting his country to a second straight World Cup. There hasn’t been a repeat men’s champion since Pelé's Brazil in 1958 and 1962. France has the talent to do it, but also has locker-room friction that Mbappé has been part of. And history brings an omen: Les Bleus crashed out in 2002 after winning it all in 1998.

Sadio Mané, Senegal

Only three African teams in men’s World Cup history have reached the quarterfinals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010. This year’s Senegal squad has the talent to match them, and potentially go a step farther.

Nine months after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, the Lions of Teranga arrive in Qatar full of talent and optimism. Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and centerback Kalidou Koulibaly are defensive rocks, while Bayern Munich’s Mané leads the attack.

Mané suffered a right fibula injury playing for Bayern on Nov. 8. He was named to the World Cup team, but he’s racing the clock to be fit. Whether he makes it is one of the tournament’s biggest on-field questions this week.

Bukayo Saka, England

England has its best chance in decades to win its first World Cup since 1966, and Saka is a big reason why. The 21-year-old from London is an electric winger for the Three Lions and Arsenal, and has one of both teams’ most engaging personalities.

Gavi, Spain

Just 18 years old, the Barcelona midfielder has jumped up the line of the world’s top young prospects. This year, he won two of Europe’s top awards for players under age 21: France Football’s Kopa Trophy (the same publication runs the Ballon D’Or), and the Golden Boy trophy organized by newspapers across the continent.

Gavi is already a regular player for his club and has 12 senior Spain caps. This World Cup could be his global breakout.

Jamal Musiala, Germany

Another of this World Cup’s big-time youngsters will face Gavi in the group stage. Musiala, 19, has rocketed to prominence with Bayern Munich and Germany this year. In just the half-season so far with Bayern, he has 12 goals and 10 assists in 22 games.

Not much is expected in Qatar of a German squad whose mix of ages isn’t quite right. But if Musiala takes off, he could take Die Mannschaft on a big run.

Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium

If you watch the English Premier League, you know that De Bruyne is the midfield maestro for powerhouse Manchester City. There are few more technically-gifted players on the planet, especially in his part of the field.

Four years ago, he helped the Red Devils to fourth place, the nation’s best World Cup finish. This year’s team has lots of talent, but De Bruyne is one of 11 players among the squad of 26 who’s age 30 or older. That’s a warning sign that a repeat run might not happen.

Vinícius Jr.

We’ve saved the best national team for last, or at least the world’s most famous one. No team has more World Cups than Brazil’s five, and the Seleçao are a big betting favorite to make it six this year. They have immense talent at every position, from defense up to the front line.

If you were expecting to see Neymar’s name here, that’s understandable. He’s Brazil’s biggest star of all, But Vinícius is a player you want to know about. He’s been ticketed for stardom since his childhood days in Rio de Janeiro, and he has lived up to the hype at Real Madrid.

Now age 22, he has 10 goals and 5 assists in 22 games this season, after scoring the winner in last season’s Champions League final. Many of his plays have gone straight onto highlight reels, accompanied by great dancing celebrations.

Since his professional debut with FC Barcelona at age 17, he has won a record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or awards (as of 2023), the prestigious honor given to the world’s best player annually.

Title:

Content: Highlights

  • The 2010s showcased legendary talent like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, shaping football history for decades to come.
  • 10 of the best players from this era have been ranked based on factors such as skill, impact, and honours earned.
  • Manuel Neuer, Sergio Ramos and Neymar are among the players who shaped a golden decade of football.

The 2010s were an era blessed with unbelievable footballing talent, with many labelling some of the players throughout this era as some of the best to ever play the game. From the greatness of Lionel Messi to the innovation of Manuel Neuer, those 10 years truly had it all.

Picking out the 10 best players to have featured in this period is extremely difficult as there are so many players who are easily ‘world-class’ quality, but a few stand out above the rest. The below list includes the very best that the 2010-2020 decade had to offer in world football. To come to the conclusion of where each football ranks among their peers, the following ranking factors have been considered.

Ranking Factors

  • The ability of each player
  • Impact during the 2010-2020 decade
  • Individual and team honours won throughout the 10 years

10 Greatest Footballers of the 2010s [Ranked]

Rank

Player

Club(s)

1.

Lionel Messi

Barcelona

2.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid, Juventus

3.

Andres Iniesta

Barcelona, Vissel Kobe

4.

Luka Modric

Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid

5.

Xavi

Barcelona, Al Sadd

6.

Luis Suarez

Liverpool, Barcelona

7.

Gareth Bale

Tottenham, Real Madrid

8.

Neymar Jr

Santos, Barcelona, PSG

9.

Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid

10.

Manuel Neuer

Schalke, Bayern Munich

10 Manuel Neuer

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Bayern Munich

It is rare on a ‘top-ten’ list that you see a goalkeeper due to outfield players typically getting all the praise. However, Manuel Neuer revolutionised the position. With over 500 games for Bayern Munich and 100 for Germany, he has had a legendary career in Germany spanning across 20 years.

Related
50 Best Goalkeepers of All Time Ranked From ‘Safe Hands’ to ‘Greatest Ever’
The 50 best goalkeepers of all time (male and female) have been ranked into six different categories.

Despite being 39 years old, Neuer is still one of the best players in the world, which proves exactly why he is one of the best players of this era. The German shot-stopper won practically everything any player could ever want, including the World Cup in 2014. Neuer is more than deserving of a spot on this list.

Manuel Neuer 2010s Stats

Team

Appearances

Clean Sheets

Bayern Munich

440

216

9 Sergio Ramos

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Real Madrid

Another player who suffers in the same situation as Neuer in terms of being underappreciated is Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard is not only one of the best defenders of the 2010s era but in football history.

Featuring in the UEFA Team of the Year nine times and winning multiple domestic titles in both Spain and France, Ramos possesses an honours list longer than most players could ever dream of. He is no doubt an icon of the game, being an inspiration to so many defenders throughout their careers. The fact he is only ninth on this list shows exactly how good this era of footballers was.

Sergio Ramos' 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Real Madrid

393

69

24

8 Neymar Jr

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Santos, Barcelona, PSG

This list can seem extremely harsh as Neymar is often considered one of the best players of this century, let alone the 2010s decade. However, the sheer talent of his peers finds him at eighth. The Brazilian was part of arguably the greatest strike force of all time at Barcelona during this era, dominating football across Spain and Europe during that time.

3:23
Related
Brazil's 18 Greatest Ever Footballers (Ranked)
Ronaldo, Pele, Ronaldinho, Neymar and Kaka all feature as 18 the greatest Brazilian players ever are ranked.

He is also the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, surpassing the legendary Pele in 2022. Moving to PSG saw even more success for Neymar, winning the Ligue 1 title almost every season he was at the club. All his success saw him establish himself as one of the best in the 2010s.

Neymar Jr's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Santos

90

56

26

Barcelona

186

105

76

PSG

85

70

41

7 Gareth Bale

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Tottenham, Real Madrid

Potentially one of the most underrated players of the 2010s, Gareth Bale burst onto the scene in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and secured his big move to Real Madrid in 2013, where he spent most of his career. Five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles later, Bale had nothing short of a stellar career in Spain.

Although some love was lost in Madrid by the end of his career, he guided his national side, Wales, to two European Championships and a World Cup, which helped cement his legacy as a footballing legend.

Gareth Bale's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Tottenham Hotspur

161

66

29

Real Madrid

251

105

56

6 Luis Suarez

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Liverpool, Barcelona

One of the best strikers to ever step onto a football pitch, Luis Suarez earned his legacy thanks to a superb career at Barcelona, earning the title of ‘world’s best’ from many former players and managers.

Related
15 Greatest Barcelona Players of All Time [Ranked]
Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Nazario all feature among Barcelona's greatest ever players.

With 147 goals in 191 matches for the Spanish side, his goalscoring talent is likened to some of the best strikers of all time, like Ronaldo Nazario. Him winning the Golden Boot in the Eredivisie, Premier League, and La Liga are just small details that back up these comparisons. As far as natural strikers in the 2010s, he tops this list comfortably. However, he falls short of the top positions on the overall list.

Luis Suarez' 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liverpool

133

82

29

Barcelona

283

198

96

5 Xavi

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Barcelona, Al Sadd

If this was a list of the best players throughout the 2000s, Xavi could be higher than some of the players above him here. However, his departure from Barcelona in 2015 means that he falls down this ranking slightly.

The fact he still finds himself in the top five while only playing half of the decade shows exactly how good he was. He played 521 times for Barcelona whilst establishing himself as one of the best midfielders ever.

His career performance earned him a place in the Ballon d’Or Dream XI, an all-time football team comprised of the best players ever. A multiple-time La Liga winner and a World Cup Champion, he deservedly earns a spot on this list.

Xavi's 2010s stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Barcelona

241

42

58

Al-Sadd

101

24

31

4 Luka Modric

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid

In an era full of some of the best footballers we have ever seen, Luka Modric stood out as one of the best that football had to offer. After earning a move from Tottenham to Real Madrid similar to Bale, the midfielder has been a serial winner almost every season he has played for Los Blancos.

Related
10 Greatest Croatian Players in Football History [Ranked]
Though its history remains young, Croatia have already built a reputation for producing some of Europe's most beguiling footballers.

His 25 major trophies in Madrid, including five Champions Leagues, show exactly how good the Croatian is. He also gained the individual praise he deserved from the football world in 2018, as he was awarded the Ballon d'Or award for his tremendous efforts that year. Modric is a generational talent who has become a legend for his club and country.

Luka Modric's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Tottenham

84

9

9

Real Madrid

343

22

48

3 Andres Iniesta

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Barcelona, Vissel Kobe

Xavi’s Spanish midfield partner during the golden era of Barcelona, Andres Iniesta, just pipped his ex-teammate to the higher position on this list due to his longevity during the 2010s. Iniesta enjoyed a very similar career to his La Masia counterpart, including scoring one of the most famous goals ever in the 2010 World Cup final to win the tournament for Spain.

His 442 appearances for Barcelona have also seen him win many honours throughout the 2010s. The ‘best of the rest’ in this scenario, Iniesta finishes in a very respectful third place on this list of amazing talent.

Andres Iniesta's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Barcelona

363

33

69

Vissel Kobe

75

16

19

2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Real Madrid, Juventus

Now onto the two best we have ever seen in football. Despite many debates as to who is first and second on this list, Cristiano Ronaldo just falls to second. Five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions Leagues, seven domestic titles, and a European Championship. What more can be said about the Portuguese phenomenon? With 765 goals in 1020 appearances, he is simply one of the greatest players to grace the sport.

Related
The 10 Best Records Held by Cristiano Ronaldo [Ranked]
Ronaldo broke yet another record for Al-Nassr becoming the highest Saudi Pro League goalscorer in a single season

His incredible work ethic alongside his natural talent has seen him become a true icon of the game and if it wasn’t for arguably the best player of all time, he would certainly be number one on this list.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Real Madrid

403

417

109

Juventus

133

101

20

1 Lionel Messi

Clubs between 2010 and 2020: Barcelona

One of - if not - the greatest of all time. The 2010s provided a player that people in years to come will be devastated they never got to see play in his prime. Lionel Messi could be listed as the most technically gifted footballer ever.

Earning his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, Messi’s honours list is quite simply astonishing. He has won everything possible in his career including, 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina. A player who will leave a legacy in this sport for the rest of time, Messi will go down as the best player ever in the 2010s era.

Lionel Messi's 2010s Stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Barcelona

517

507

234

Related
Ballon d'Or 2024 Power Rankings
After Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or win, the 2024 award is up for grabs.

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt (Accurate as of 31/05/24)

He has helped his clubs accumulate 44 major trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, four UEFA Champions League titles, three FIFA Club World Cups, and multiple UEFA Super Cups.

Title:

Content: Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
My grandfather, Zainuddin.
Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
My grandfather, Zainuddin.
6 T-shirts sold to Missy for $7.8 million
Six shirts worn by Argentine star Lionel Messi at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have been sold for $7.8 million at auction, Russia said today.
Sotheby ’ s told AFP there were three total bids in what it described as Lionel Messi ’ s iconic light-blue, white and vertical striped shirts for Argentina from his historic 2022 World Cup adventure, which he crowned for the first time in his career.
The shirts sold broke the record set by previous collectibles associated with Inter Miami star Messi, 36.
It has also become the most valuable item in sports memorabilia sold at auction this year so far, according to Sotheby ’ s.
Brahm Wakter, head of Sotheby ’ s Modern Collectibles division, said: “The 2022 FIFA World Cup is one of the greatest events in the history of sport and is inextricably linked to Messi ’ s courageous career and the consolidation of his position as the greatest player of all time.
“The sale of these six shirts marks a huge occasion in the history of the auction, providing fans and collectors with a link to Messi ’ s achievement. ”
Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup title at Qatar by beating France 4-2 on penalties after drawing 3-3 in the original and extra time at Lusail Stadium on 18 December 2022.
Messi scored seven goals at the Qatar World Cup, raising the number of his goals to 13.
Messi tops the list of players who have won the most collective titles with 44 titles, including La Liga (10 times), the Champions League (4) and the Copa América (1).
Earlier this month, Messi was named "Sportsman of the Year" for 2023 by Time magazine after a splendid season marked by being crowned World Player of the Year for the eighth time in his career and moving to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain.

Internationally, Messi has led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, further cementing his legacy on the global stage, along with an Olympic Gold and U20 World Cup early in his career.

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He won all the titles except the most expensive.
Lionel Messi ’ s most notable figures throughout his history
18-12-2022 | 01: 30
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Argentine star Lionel Messi aspires to add the most important title to his football career, on Sunday, when the "tango dancers" meet the French team in the final of the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, 35, is seeking to win the 2022 World Cup after Argentina have not won the title since 1986.
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For many, winning the World Cup would cement Messi ’ s status as the greatest footballer of all time after years of controversy and comparison with Portugal ’ s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi ’ s achievements in numbers
Messi scored 791 goals for the clubs he played for and his country.
He has won 41 trophies in his career, as well as a record seven gold balls.
- The star began his football career with the club "Newles Old Boys" at the age of six, and became part of the greatest youth team of Barcelona ever, where he scored 36 goals in 30 games and helped to crown his team with an unprecedented trio in the league and cup.
His first professional appearance came at the age of 17 and 3 months, the youngest Barcelona player ever, in a match against Espanyol in October 2004.
That season he played 244 minutes in nine matches, scoring his first goal against Albacete in May 2005.
In August of that year, Messi made his debut for Argentina in a match against Hungary.
Messi has played 1002 professional matches at the club and national team level.
Messi had 350 assists – 116 more than Ronaldo – and played 143 fewer games than the player.
Messi holds a number of scoring records, including Barcelona (627) and Argentina (96).
Messi also holds the world record for the highest number of goals (71) in a season, beating the previous record of German striker Gerd Mueller of 67 goals, according to the British network "Sky News".
Messi has scored 11 World Cup goals so far in his career, across five tournaments, and is the only player in history to score a World Cup goal in his teens, 20s and 30s.
With 40 international and club titles, winning the World Cup will bring him one step closer to the title of best footballer in history, which is currently held by his former teammate, Brazilian right-back Dani Alves with 42 titles.
Over two decades with Barcelona, Messi has won an astounding 10 La Liga titles, 7 Champions League titles and 15 domestic trophies, and has lifted the Club World Cup and European Super Cup three times each.
With his current club Paris Saint-Germain, he won the French Football League title this season.
Messi has won six European awards for the Golden Boot and the Cup of the Best Player at the 2021 Copa America.
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His transition to Paris Saint-Germain added two Ligue 1 titles to his record, showing his adaptability and sustained success across leagues .

Statistical Milestones and Records:
Messi's statistics underline his dominance in football history.

He holds the record for being Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals, surpassing even Pelé's record for the most goals scored with one club.

He set the record for the most goals in a single European league season with 50 goals during La Liga’s 2011-2012 season, and scored a staggering 91 official goals in 2012—the highest by any player in a calendar year.

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Content: Numbers, titles and prizes waiting for Ronaldo and Messi to achieve them
One left the club where he grew up and became a professional player, and the other returned to the team that gave him an international star.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have won a lot of titles and many individual awards, but they still have records to match or record in their names.
These two players, who have entertained the lovers of the round witch performance and goals, are expected to have more fun and skill in the coming years.
What have Messi and Ronaldo achieved so far?
Local tournaments and cups, continental and international tournaments and tournaments with their respective teams, that is, they achieved everything at the team and team levels.
As for the goals, Ronaldo:
• Top scorer at the national level (111 goals).
• Top scorer in the Champions League (134 goals).
Best scorer in Real Madrid history (451 goals)
• Top scorer in the European finals (14 goals).
Macy is:
Spanish Premier League goalscorer (474 goals)
• Top scorer in the Champions League (120 goals).
• He holds the record in the number of goals scored in La Liga during one season (50 goals).
The top scorer of the Spanish championship is more than any other player (8 times).
What else can Messi and Ronaldo achieve?
Ronaldo is the top goalscorer at the national level, but Messi needs two goals (he has 76 goals) to beat Brazilian legend Pele and become the South American top scorer at the national level.
Don is only two games away to become the most involved player in the Champions League, exceeding the record set by Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas by 177 games, while Messi played 149 games in the Champions League.
Messi has won the Ballon d'Or six times and is on his way to seven, while Ronaldo has five gold balls.
The captain of Portugal has won the Champions League five times, while the captain of Argentina has won it four times.
In terms of goals, the Manchester United star has 674 goals, beating the Paris Saint-Germain star by just two goals.
Ronaldo needs only nine goals to overtake current United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and become the 15th place in the list of historical "Almanio" goalscorers (he has 127 goals), while he needs 155 goals to enter the top 10 list.
Source: Marka
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Additionally, he is the top scorer in La Liga history with 474 goals and holds the record for the most goals scored for Argentina internationally with 108 goals.

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Content: Barcelona (dpa)
The official website of the Spanish football club Barcelona reviewed the achievements of Argentine magician Lionel Messi, and his records during his busy career with the team
The club announced the collapse of contract renewal talks with the player due to "financial and structural obstacles".
Barcelona wrote that the legend Messi holds all the major records in the history of FC Barcelona, having the most games with the team, scoring the most goals, winning the most victories and, most of all, winning the most titles in the club ’ s 121-year history.
Messi has not only broken records in the club ’ s history, he has also not broken local records, but he has a huge number of world and European records.
Barcelona stressed in his website that Messi is not an ordinary footballer, but he is the best in the history of the round witch ever, which was proved by many facts, which the club talked about at length.
Barcelona revealed that Messi is the most crowned "Ballon d'Or", awarded to the best player in the world, after receiving it six times in 2009 and 2010.
2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019
Messi is the only player in history, who collected during one season between the Golden Ball awards, awarded annually by the French magazine « France Football » to the best player in the world, and the best player in the world, provided by the International Federation of Football « FIFA » annually, and the scorer of the season in the Spanish league, and the golden shoes as the best scorers of the season in European leagues, in the 2009-2010 season.
Messi was the youngest player to win three gold balls, aged 24 years, 6 months and 17 days when he won the award for the third time in his career on 9 January 2012.
Messi holds the record as the most Golden Boot winner, having won it six times, and another record is for scoring the most goals in various official competitions during one season.
When he scored 73 goals in all competitions in the 2011-12 season, 50 goals in La Liga, 14 goals in the Champions League, 3 goals in the King's Cup, 1 in the Spanish Super, 1 in the European Super, and 2 in the Club World Cup.
According to the Barcelona website, Messi scored the most goals during the year, when he scored 91 official goals in 2012, and scored the highest number of international goals in the same year with 25 goals, 13 goals in the Champions League with Barcelona, and 12 goals with Argentina, to share the record with the late English striker Vivian Woodward, who scored the same number of international goals in 1909.
Messi achieved a record that remained steadfast for many years, after becoming the most scoring player with one team in various international and domestic championships, after reaching 672 goals with Barcelona in all competitions, surpassing the record held by the Brazilian legend Pele, who scored 643 goals with his Brazilian team Santos between 1956 and 1974.
Messi also set a second record, having the longest scoring streak in La Liga, after scoring 33 goals in 21 consecutive games in the competition, from stage 11 to stage 34 in the 2012-13 season.
Messi scored the most goals in a single season in a European league, after scoring 50 goals for Barcelona in La Liga.
From 2011 to 2012, Messi scored the biggest number of competitors in the Champions League, after scoring in 36 different opponents, surpassing his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Real Madrid, former English Manchester United and the current Italian Juventus, who scored in 35 different competitions.
Messi is the most crowned player with domestic and international titles with a La Liga team, having won 35 titles with Barcelona, three times ahead of his closest former Barcelona teammate Andreas Iniesta.
Messi has won 10 La Liga titles, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League titles, 3 Club World Cups and 3 European Super Cups.
Messi won the most number of Spanish league goalscorer awards, after winning them in
Eight seasons, the last of which was last season, also tops the list of historical goals of the tournament, having scored 474 goals in 520 games played in the competition with Barcelona.
Messi is the holder of the highest number of goals scored by a player in the Spanish league in various official competitions, with 672 goals, and is also the most scoring player in the Spanish league in international tournaments with 128 goals, 120 goals in the Champions League, 3 goals in the European Super League, and 5 goals in the Club World Cup.
Messi holds another record in La Liga, where he is the most winning player in the tournament, having achieved 383 victories, while he played the largest number of games of the competition with Barcelona, with 778 games, 11 games ahead of his closest pursuers retired teammate Xavi Hernandez.
Of course, Messi tops the list of Barcelona scorers in the Champions League, with a balance
120 goals, surpassing by an overwhelming margin his closest pursuers, retired Brazilian star Rivaldo and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, current Atletico Madrid player, who scored 25 goals in the continental championship.

His overall tally exceeds 700 goals for club and country combined, reflecting outstanding consistency and effectiveness as a forward .

Playing Style and Unique Qualities:
Messi’s playing style is characterized by his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, rapid acceleration, precise shooting, and strategic vision.

Despite his modest stature of 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches), his low center of gravity greatly enhances his agility and balance, enabling him to maneuver past defenders with extraordinary ease.

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Content: How Tall Is Lionel Messi?

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Lionel Messi: The Height of Greatness

Introduction
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football sensation, has captivated the world with his extraordinary skills and mesmerizing performances on the field. As fans and admirers continue to marvel at his talent, one question that often arises is, “How tall is Lionel Messi?” In this article, we delve into the height of this football icon and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Tall Is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi stands at a height of 1.70 meters, which is approximately 5 feet 7 inches. Despite his relatively modest stature compared to some of his towering opponents, Messi has proven time and again that height is no barrier to success in the world of football. His agility, speed, and exceptional ball control have allowed him to outmaneuver and outshine many taller players.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Messi’s height affect his performance on the field?
A: Not at all. Messi’s height has never hindered his ability to dominate matches. In fact, his low center of gravity and quick acceleration give him a significant advantage, enabling him to change direction swiftly and leave defenders in his wake.

Q: How does Messi compare to other footballers in terms of height?
A: While Messi may be shorter than some of his contemporaries, his impact on the game is immeasurable. His exceptional skills and achievements have solidified his place among the greatest footballers of all time, regardless of height.

Q: Are there any advantages to being shorter in football?
A: Absolutely. Being shorter can provide players with enhanced agility, balance, and speed. It allows them to maneuver through tight spaces, maintain better control of the ball, and evade tackles more effectively.

Q: Has Messi’s height ever been a subject of criticism?
A: Occasionally, critics have pointed out Messi’s height as a potential weakness. However, time and again, he has proven them wrong consistently delivering outstanding performances and achieving remarkable success at both the club and international levels.

Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s height may be modest, but his impact on the world of football is immeasurable. Standing at 1.70 meters, he has shattered the notion that height is a determining factor in achieving greatness on the field. Messi’s exceptional skills, determination, and unwavering passion for the game have made him an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide, proving that true greatness knows no bounds.

His technical excellence, combined with his speed and intelligence on the field, allows him to create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates through assists.

Often praised for his humility and dedication to continual improvement, Messi attributes his talents to hard work and natural gifts, setting a positive example of perseverance and passion for young players .

Influence on Football and Role as a Role Model:
Messi's influence extends far beyond his statistics.

He is widely considered the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) by fans, players, and experts alike due to his longevity, consistency, and ability to perform decisively in critical moments.

His leadership on and off the pitch, emotional strength, and sportsmanship have inspired millions worldwide.

He has shaped the culture of football, encouraging young players to develop their skills, sportsmanship, and dedication.

Peers and coaches have often highlighted his professionalism and humility, which enrich his reputation as a role model.

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Content: Chelsea and Barcelona in head-to-head battle for 16-year-old dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’

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Every so often a generational talent comes along that leaves football watchers open-mouthed, and that’s certainly the case with 16-year-old Roony Bardghji.

Though he represents Sweden, he was actually born in Kuwait to Syrian parents, and is currently plying his trade in the Danish top-flight with FC Copenhagen.

It’s fair to say that he’s making quite the impression too.

A heady mix of skills together with the right temperament to make it to the very top of the game have seen him, perhaps unfairly at this stage, being handed the moniker of the ‘Swedish Messi.’

Despite the pressure of living up to such standards, the youngster continues to set the league alight, and it was never going to be long before the giants of European football came circling.

At this stage, there’s nothing to suggest that Copenhagen would be willing to part with the player, however, Goal.com report that Chelsea and Barcelona have already sent scouts to watch him in action.

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Both clubs would offer the player something different in terms of a move to either being a significant step up in quality.

Given how he has approached any challenge set him thus far, it would be a surprise if he weren’t able to negotiate any more hurdles put in front of him in the same way that he has to this point.

If anyone were in any doubt whatsoever that Roony was destined for the very top, they only need listen to the words of Sweden’s U17 manager, Roger Franzen, when speaking to Sportexpressen.

“He has exceptional qualities that stand out. He has an understanding of the game, as well as good balance and coordination, which means that he has exceptional technique with the ball at his feet. It’s incredibly difficult to take the ball off him.

“He is good one on one and has a good shot. He can shoot with both feet, even if he is basically left-footed, he can finish with the right as well. That makes him very difficult to read for the defenders. Will he go right or left? It makes him difficult to handle.”

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Messi’s victories with Argentina, particularly the 2022 FIFA World Cup win, fulfilled a long-standing ambition and added an iconic chapter to football history, inspiring national pride and worldwide admiration .

Comparison with Other Football Legends:
Comparing Messi with other football greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Pelé solidifies his place at the summit of football excellence.

While Ronaldo closely matches Messi in goals and titles, Messi’s combination of playmaking, vision, and dribbling skills is often cited as superior.

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Content: Lionel Messi has done it again. The Argentine superstar recently surpassed Ali Daei to become the second all-time top scorer in men's international football, reported by B/R Football. With this achievement, Messi is now chasing his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the top spot. This milestone has reignited the heated debate among football fans about who truly deserves the title of the greatest of all time (GOAT).

In a recent international match, Messi added another goal to his impressive tally, moving past Iranian legend Ali Daei. This goal placed him second on the all-time international goal-scoring list, a significant achievement in the world of football. Messi’s consistent performance at the international level continues to solidify his place among the greatest players in the sport's history.

The ongoing GOAT debate

With Messi now sitting just behind Ronaldo in the international scoring charts, fans and pundits have once again started debating who deserves the GOAT title. On social media, the arguments are as passionate as ever. One fan, h'bozz, commented, “This two goat gimmick might be the most cringe thing we’ve seen, we all know if you swapped Messi’s accolades with Ronaldo’s they wouldn’t keep the same energy. There is only one GOAT.”

On the other hand, Ronaldo supporters, like Freddy, congratulated Messi but took a playful dig, saying, “Congrats. 21 to go :)” This reflects the rivalry's light-hearted yet competitive nature, with each camp supporting their favorite with equal fervor.

Lionel Messi's edge

One of the main arguments in favor of Messi revolves around the quality and significance of his trophies compared to Ronaldo’s. Messi's fans argue that his achievements, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards, Champions League titles, and a Copa America win, make his case stronger. They believe that while Ronaldo may have more goals, Messi's overall contribution to the game is unparalleled.

Critics of Messi, however, point to moments like his recent goal, where some claimed he “robbed” Enzo Fernandez of a goal. One detractor stated, “Messi robbing Enzo goal. He can't be my goat never.” Such incidents fuel the ongoing debate, with each side finding reasons to elevate their preferred player while downplaying the other.

Despite the intense debates, there is a consensus that both Messi and Ronaldo are in a league of their own. Their dominance in the sport is unmatched, and they have set records that may stand for decades. Whether it’s Messi’s magical dribbling and playmaking or Ronaldo’s incredible athleticism and goal-scoring prowess, both players have brought unparalleled excitement to football fans worldwide.

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has transcended individual accolades and statistics. It’s a clash of styles, personalities, and legacies that has captivated the football world for over a decade. Each milestone one player reaches adds another chapter to this fascinating story.

Looking ahead for Lionel Messi

As Messi continues to chase Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record, the football world will be watching closely. Every match, every goal, and every performance will be scrutinized and compared. This rivalry has defined an era in football, and fans will continue to debate the GOAT question long after both players have retired.

In the end, whether you are Team Messi or Team Ronaldo, there is no denying the impact both players have had on the sport. They have pushed each other to new heights, inspired millions of fans, and created memories that will last a lifetime. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: we are witnessing the careers of two of the greatest footballers ever to play the game.

In terms of World Cup appearances, Messi has played more matches (26) than Maradona (21), maintaining high levels of performance in goals and assists per game, which pushes his claim as the ultimate football GOAT.

His records for individual performance, consistency, and influence across multiple leagues and international stages surpass those of most others, including the legendary Pelé, whose single-club goal record Messi broke.

Messi’s balance of scoring prowess and creative play uniquely distinguishes him in football history .

In summary, Lionel Messi’s status as the number one football player in the world is supported by his magnificent trophy cabinet, unmatched scoring records, distinctive playing style, and his inspirational impact on the sport globally.

For your son, Messi’s story embodies the rewards of dedication, relentless effort, passion for the game, and humility, making him a perfect role model.

Learning about Messi’s journey—from overcoming physical challenges in his youth to achieving greatness through hard work—can motivate a young player to pursue soccer with confidence and joy, knowing that success is attainable through perseverance and love for the sport.