Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time due to his exceptional career achievements, distinctive playing style, dedication, and global influence.

Over his career, Messi has amassed an extraordinary collection of titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies and 11 domestic league titles across Spain and France.

Internationally, he led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América, marking their first continental win since 1993, and achieved the pinnacle of soccer success by capturing the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

He holds remarkable records, such as being Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 matches and ranking second in all-time men's international goals, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Notably, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, surpassing other legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé, affirming his position at the summit of individual accolades in football.

In rankings by respected outlets like The Daily Mail, Messi is placed above his fierce rivals and peers, evidencing his status in the sport’s history .

Messi’s playing style is characterized by extraordinary dribbling, tight ball control, and agility due to his low center of gravity.

His vision and precision passing enable him to create chances for teammates while his goal-scoring skills combine creativity and accuracy.

His versatility allows him to excel as both a forward and attacking midfielder, making him a dynamic and influential figure on the field.

Experts highlight his ability to read the game and integrate seamlessly within team play, making him not only a prolific goal scorer but also a selfless playmaker .

Messi’s journey to greatness is inspiring, especially for young players.

Born with a growth hormone deficiency, he overcame early physical obstacles with the support of his family and Barcelona’s youth academy.

His sportsmanship, modesty, and leadership make him a role model beyond just technical skill .

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time due to his exceptional career achievements, distinctive playing style, dedication, and global influence.

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Content: What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

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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.

Over his career, Messi has amassed an extraordinary collection of titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies and 11 domestic league titles across Spain and France.

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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.

Internationally, he led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América, marking their first continental win since 1993, and achieved the pinnacle of soccer success by capturing the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

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Argentina's World Cup final win over France in all-time classic crowns Lionel Messi's glorious career

Argentina are World Cup winners for the third time, with Lionel Messi inspiring the Copa America champions to glory, following a penalty shootout win at the end of an incredible final against France in Qatar on Sunday.

- World Cup 2022: News and features | Bracket | Results

Kylian Mbappe became only the second player to score a World Cup final hat trick, eclipsing Messi's two strikes in the match, but despite his goals helping France to a 3-3 result after extra time, shootout misses by Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni meant Argentina celebrated victory in Lusail.

JUMP TO: Player ratings | Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Postmatch quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures

Rapid reaction

1. Messi crowns incredible career with World Cup win

Lionel Messi's incredible career is now complete. The Argentina captain has finally added a World Cup winners' medal to all of the Champions Leagues, domestic championships and cups and the Copa America he won with Argentina in 2021.

And he did in in style. Two goals in a dramatic final, plus a successful penalty in the shootout, mean that Messi did everything possible to deliver long-awaited glory for Argentina. He also won the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament.

Will it end the GOAT debate? Probably not. There will always be those who favour Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Pele over the 35-year-old, but now that he has a World Cup win on his list of honours, you can bet that Messi won't care in the slightest about the endless debate over who really is the greatest of all time.

But the most important thing for Messi is that nobody can ever point to the one big trophy missing from his career. He has not only now lifted it, he drove and inspired Argentina to success, just as Maradona did in Mexico in 1986.

Qatar 2022 has been Messi's tournament. He has scored in every game bar one -- the group stage win against Poland when he had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny -- and he has risen to the occasion every time Argentina has needed him to make a difference.

Big goals against Mexico and Australia, amazing assists for Nahuel Molina and Julian Alvarez against Netherlands and Croatia respectively and, in the final against France, he set Argentina on the way to victory by scoring a first-half penalty.

It has been the perfect tournament for Messi in every sense. The perfect embellishment to an unrivalled career.

2. Mbappe's brilliance was not enough for France

Kylian Mbappe has already won one World Cup for France, and he almost won a second single-handedly against Argentina.

His two goals in the space of 97 seconds in the final 10 minutes of the game gave France a lifeline after they had trailed 2-0 since the first half, and the Paris Saint-Germain star then added a third to claim his hat trick in extra time. But despite Mbappe's heroics -- he also netted his spot kick in the shootout -- France couldn't become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.

With the France squad being hit by a virus in the buildup to the game, it was a remarkable achievement for Les Bleus to be able to fight back from two goals down to take the game to penalties. Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman were all unable to train on Friday, and three of them -- Varane, Upamecano and Rabiot -- started the game.

The lack of energy was evident for most of the game until Mbappe gave them hope with an 80th-minute penalty. They were so bad in the first half that Deschamps substituted Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele before the interval and it didn't get much better in the second half. Even Antoine Griezmann, one of the players of the tournament, failed to see out the game with Deschamps replacing him with 20 minutes to go.

A final is when the big players show up and make the difference, but France's top stars went missing until Mbappe exploded into life on 80 minutes. But despite almost carrying his team to glory, Mbappe couldn't take France all the way. He now has the unenviable distinction of scoring a hat trick in a World Cup final and still ending up on the losing side.

3. Argentina's triumph a win for a whole continent

Argentina ended South America's 20-year wait for a World Cup win by defeating reigning champions France in Qatar.

Not since Brazil won their fifth World Cup in 2002 has a South American team lifted the trophy, but by doing so, Argentina have brought an end to European dominance of the tournament. Italy, Spain, Germany and France have all won the World Cup since a South American nation and only Argentina -- in 2014 -- have made it to the final since 2002.

But with so many of the game's leading players coming from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia, it is a huge morale boost for the continent of South America to finally have a world champion again.

And with the hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup still to be decided, the impact made by Argentina on and off the field in Qatar should help the South American challenge to host the tournament in eight years' time.

South American fans have been the largest contingent by far in Qatar. It is a hugely passionate football region, and the prospect of Argentina and Uruguay co-hosting the centenary World Cup in 2030 -- 100 years after the latter beat the former 4-2 in the inaugural final as hosts in Montevideo -- can only have been helped by Messi's team winning this tournament.

Player ratings (1 = worst, 10 = best)

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez 8; Nahuel Molina 6, Cristian Romero 7, Nicolas Otamendi 6, Nicolas Tagliafico 7; Enzo Fernandez 8, Rodrigo De Paul 8, Alexis Mac Allister 8; Lionel Messi 8, Julian Alvarez 7, Angel Di Maria 8.

Subs: Marcos Acuna 6, Gonzalo Montiel 6, Leandro Paredes 6, Lautaro Martinez 6, German Pezzella 6, Paulo Dybala 6.

France: Hugo Lloris 7; Jules Kounde 4, Raphael Varane 6, Dayot Upamecano 5, Theo Hernandez 5; Aurelien Tchouameni 6, Adrien Rabiot 6; Ousmane Dembele 3, Antoine Griezmann 5, Kylian Mbappe 9; Olivier Giroud 4.

Subs: Marcus Thuram 7, Randal Kolo Muani 8, Kingsley Coman 6, Edouardo Camavinga 6, Youssouf Fofana 6, Ibrahima Konate 6, Axel Disasi 6.

Best and worst performers

BEST: Kylian Mbappe

He was quiet for the most of the game, but the big players deliver when it matters. Mbappe turned the World Cup final on its head by scoring twice in the space of 90 seconds in the closing stages before claiming a hat trick with his extra-time penalty.

WORST: Ousmane Dembele

Gave away the penalty for Argentina's opener with a clumsy challenge on Di Maria. Didn't contribute anything positive and was even worse than Jules Kounde on France's woeful right flank.

Highlights and notable moments

After his team went two goals down, France coach Didier Deschamps had seen enough. With four minutes until the end of the first half he made a double substitution. Dembele and Olivier Giroud were the ones hauled off, and the latter did not take it well.

Kylian Mbappe's second-half brace then forced the match into extra time, when he followed up his penalty with this goal just seconds later.

Messi and Mbappe both scored again in extra time, taking the match to a shootout, where Gonzalo Montiel was the unlikely hero.

After the match: What the players and managers said

Postmatch quotes will appear here...

Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)

Messi's opener was the first goal or assist he had recorded in a final in his senior Argentina career. His penalty was the sixth to be taken in a men's World Cup final (excluding shootouts). Only one of them was not converted -- Antonio Cabrini vs. West Germany in 1982, although Italy still won that match.

Of the 20 previous men's teams to score first in the World Cup final, 12 went on to lift the trophy. Only one team has trailed by two or more goals in the World Cup final and gone on to win it before the final in Qatar -- West Germany in 1954 vs. Hungary.

All three of Argentina's goals were scored by players aged 34 years or older (Di Maria 34, Messi 35). Prior to this, the only players of that age to score in a World Cup final had been Nils Liedholm for Sweden in 1958 (35) and Zinedine Zidane for France in 2006 (34). At 35 years and 177 days, Lionel is the second-oldest man to score in a World Cup final, after Liedholm (35 years, 264 days) in 1958 vs. Brazil.

France is the first team in men's World Cup history to make multiple first-half substitutions in the final. The only other first-half substitutes in World Cup finals were one in 1982 (Italy), two in 1994 (one each by Brazil and Italy) and one in 2014 (Germany).

With his first goal, Kylian Mbappe became only the second man to score in back-to-back World Cup finals, after Brazil's Vava in 1958 and 1962. With his second, Mbappe became the first to score seven goals at a World Cup since Ronaldo scored eight for Brazil in 2002.

There was a gap of just one minute and 37 seconds between Mbappe's two goals, the first time that goals had been scored in consecutive minutes in a men's World Cup final.

This was the eighth men's World Cup final to go to extra time, with only two of the previous seven going to penalties. However, it was the fourth World Cup final to require an additional 30 minutes in the 21st century (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022), as many times as in the 20th century.

With Lautaro Martínez's introduction from the bench, a player from Bayern Munich and a player from Inter Milan has featured in each of the last 11 World Cup finals. Bayern's Dayot Upamecano started the match for France.

Mbappe's third goal made him only the second man to score a hat trick in a World Cup final, after Geoff Hurst for England in 1966, and it secured him the World Cup Golden Boot award as top scorer with eight goals.

With 172 goals scored, this is the World Cup with the most goals ever. There were 171 scored in 1998 and 2014.

Messi has won every competition he's appeared in more than once. The only competition he has played in and not won is the Coupe de France, in which he has made one appearance.

Up next

Argentina: The new world champions get to party and celebrate their triumph with no upcoming matches on their schedule for 2023 just yet. However, most of them will soon be back in action for their clubs with the Premier League resuming on Dec. 26. The second halves of the LaLiga and Ligue 1 seasons will also begin before the end of the year, meaning it might not be long before we see Messi and Mbappe back together at Paris Saint-Germain.

France: They may feel like it right now, but France don't have long before they have to begin qualification for Euro 2024. The road to Germany begins on March 24 when Netherlands visit the Stade de France, before Les Bleus travel to face Republic of Ireland three days later.

He holds remarkable records, such as being Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 matches and ranking second in all-time men's international goals, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Content: Messi agrees two-year contract with PSG and is travelling to Paris to undergo medical following Barcelona exit

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Lionel Messi has agreed a two-year contract to join Paris Saint-Germain and is expected to undergo his medical on Tuesday, Goal can confirm.

The Argentina international star spoke tearfully on Sunday as he confirmed his departure from the club where he has spent the last 21 years.

Messi is now set to arrive in Paris on Tuesday and, providing he passes the medical without a hitch, he will sign a two-year contract with PSG, which has the option of a further 12 months.

How much will Messi earn at PSG?

It is expected that Messi will receive in the region of €30 million-35 million (£25m-30m/$35m-$41m) per season during his time at PSG, while there will also be team and individual bonuses.

Did Messi have any other offers?

Messi did receive offers from two other clubs, but PSG was always the option that he liked the most.

Reports have claimed that Atletico Madrid were one of the clubs to make an approach, while he was also linked with the likes of Manchester City and Inter.

What has Messi said on PSG move?

Messi has not yet confirmed that he will move to PSG.

Speaking on Sunday, he stated: “Paris Saint-Germain is a possibility, yes.

“At the moment nothing is confirmed, I received a lot of calls after the Barcelona statement. We’re talking about it.”

Nevertheless, everything appears to be in place for Messi to join the Ligue 1 side, following stars such as Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Georginio Wijnaldum in making their way to Parc des Princes this summer.

Messi’s Barcelona record

Messi leaves Barcelona not only as one of the club’s greatest players of all time, but arguably the greatest player of all time.

He is both Barca’s top scorer and top appearance maker of all time, with 672 goals from 778 matches.

Article continues below

During his time at Camp Nou, where he made his professional debut in 2003 after joining the academy in 2000, he has won La Liga 10 times and four Champions Leagues.

Additionally, Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record six times, eclipsing his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who only has five to his name.

Further Reading

Notably, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, surpassing other legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé, affirming his position at the summit of individual accolades in football.

In rankings by respected outlets like The Daily Mail, Messi is placed above his fierce rivals and peers, evidencing his status in the sport’s history .

Messi’s playing style is characterized by extraordinary dribbling, tight ball control, and agility due to his low center of gravity.

His vision and precision passing enable him to create chances for teammates while his goal-scoring skills combine creativity and accuracy.

His versatility allows him to excel as both a forward and attacking midfielder, making him a dynamic and influential figure on the field.

Experts highlight his ability to read the game and integrate seamlessly within team play, making him not only a prolific goal scorer but also a selfless playmaker .

Messi’s journey to greatness is inspiring, especially for young players.

Born with a growth hormone deficiency, he overcame early physical obstacles with the support of his family and Barcelona’s youth academy.

His sportsmanship, modesty, and leadership make him a role model beyond just technical skill .

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Content: Gaspacho
Blog
Lionel Messi needs one trophy to collect the full collection, Cristiano Ronaldo already has one
Lionel Messi is on the verge of an outstanding achievement.
During his incredible career, the Argentine has won many trophies, he lacks only one to become the owner of the full collection of awards.
Leo already has a record 8 Ballons d ’ Or, a World Cup win, four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga championships and 2 Ligue 1.
But among this sea of trophies is not enough “Golden foot ”.
This prestigious award recognizes players not only for their sportsmanship, but also for their outstanding personalities and contributions to football.
The award is given only to current players aged 28 years and older, it can be received only once.
Journalists choose 10 contenders, and the winner is determined through online voting, allowing fans from all over the world to make their choice.
While players such as Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah and Messi ’ s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo have already won the trophy, Leo himself has not yet won it.
Although he remains the main contender for the “Golden foot ” at the end of the outgoing year.