Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the number one football player in the world due to his extraordinary blend of career achievements, playing style, influence, and the remarkable way his skills and records compare to other top athletes.

His story can be an inspiring example for young players, showing how passion, dedication, and generosity of spirit can lead to greatness.

At the core of Messi’s reputation is his remarkable record of accomplishments at both club and international levels.

Making his first-team debut for FC Barcelona at just 17, Messi quickly became the club’s most decorated player.

He holds nearly every major record at Barcelona, including most appearances, most goals, and most trophies won.

He scored an unparalleled 672 goals for Barcelona, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s record of goals scored at a single club.

His 91 goals in the calendar year of 2012 set a new world record, highlighting his consistency and excellence over time.

In terms of personal recognition, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, acknowledging him as the best player in the world far more often than any rival.

He has also claimed multiple Golden Boot awards for Europe’s top goal scorer and became the youngest player to win three Ballon d’Or titles, a testament to his precocious brilliance and lasting dominance .

Messi’s achievements extend beyond the club stage.

Although he carried great expectations from his homeland, Argentina, on the international stage, for many years a major trophy eluded him.

Eventually, he enabled Argentina to win major honors: the Copa America and, most recently, the coveted FIFA World Cup.

His 2022 World Cup performances were a display of maturity, leadership, and competitive spirit.

These victories resolved the biggest question surrounding his career and cemented his legacy as a global sports icon who succeeded at the very highest level for both club and country .

Off the score sheet, Messi’s playing style places him in a class of his own.

Renowned for his exceptional dribbling, agility, vision, and close control, he can glide past defenders even in the tightest spaces.

His combination of quick acceleration and a low center of gravity allows him to keep composure under pressure and maintain possession seemingly effortlessly.

Beyond goal scoring, Messi excels as a playmaker, displaying unmatched vision and creativity in providing goal assists and initiating attacking moves.

He is versatile, able to operate as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder, and is constantly involved in the constructive, elegant football that characterizes top teams.

These technical qualities mean that he is both the focal point and the heartbeat of any lineup he graces .

Messi is also celebrated for his sportsmanship, work ethic, and leadership.

He consistently leads by example with his humility, discipline in training, and commitment to excellence.

Teammates and coaches often cite his positive influence on the group, not just with his technical gifts but also through his professionalism and everyday dedication to recovery, improvement, and teamwork.

This has a powerful effect on young footballers who view him as an ideal role model on and off the field .

Globally, Messi’s impact stretches beyond the matches he plays.

He is admired worldwide by millions of fans and serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring footballers.

Stories abound of his admirers, including young players who mimic his style, collect his memorabilia, or even tattoo his autograph.

He represents determination, resilience, and the power of dreams fulfilled through hard work.

He demonstrates that true greatness comes not just from natural talent but from sustained effort, focus, and a refusal to give up in the face of obstacles .

A large part of Messi’s myth stems from the way he has continuously raised the standards of the game.

For much of his career, he faced intense rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, another all-time great.

This competition pushed both players to even greater heights, each breaking records and collecting trophies in parallel.

While both are celebrated as generational talents, Messi has the edge in individual acclaim, holding more Ballon d'Or awards (eight compared to Ronaldo's five) and cementing his legacy as the player who can do it all—score, assist, and inspire.

His completeness as a player—combining individual genius with a consistent winning mentality and team orientation—places him above many other legends, including Pelé and Diego Maradona, in numerous expert rankings .

The statistics and honors may tell only part of Messi's story, but they are astonishing in themselves.

He has won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and numerous domestic cups with Barcelona, while also bringing home Argentina’s first Copa America since 1993 and the World Cup after more than three decades.

Individually, he remains a record-breaker, not just in goals but in assists and overall contribution to team success.

His records and accolades are unlikely to be matched for years.

These facts, combined with his distinctive playing style and aura, help explain why he so often tops the lists of the greatest players in football history .

For a mother hoping to inspire her son to take up soccer, Messi’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance, humility, and the rewards of unwavering dedication.

Despite his relatively small size for a professional footballer, Messi overcame every obstacle—physical, competitive, and personal—by relentlessly focusing on his strengths and maintaining a passion for the sport.

His journey illustrates that greatness is accessible not just to the naturally gifted, but also to those with discipline, heart, and the courage to pursue their dreams, making Lionel Messi not only an all-time footballer but also an enduring role model for young athletes everywhere.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the number one football player in the world due to his extraordinary blend of career achievements, playing style, influence, and the remarkable way his skills and records compare to other top athletes.

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Content: rus
� � � � � � � �
Society
Top five outstanding footballers who left a mark on history
Vladislav Moskalenko
UAportal has prepared a selection of outstanding players who have left an unforgettable mark in the history of football.
Learn about the most popular of them and their achievements in sports.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers.
He spent most of his career at Barcelona, winning numerous awards, including the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
Exceptional gaming style secured him the status of a football icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The incredible athletics and skill of Cristiano Ronaldo made him the most famous figure in the world of football.
He has achieved success with several top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, winning numerous awards and team trophies.
See also: Left school for a career: what else is known about Damiano David
Neymar
Neymar is a Brazilian football talent known for his brilliant skills, creativity and flair on the field.
He has played for top clubs such as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and has established himself as a valuable player for his teams.
Kilian Mbappe
At a young age, Kilian Mbappe has already demonstrated great talent and skill on the football field.
As a key player in both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, Mbappe has shown great potential and has already managed to achieve significant success at a young age, which makes him one of the most interesting people in the sport.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian playmaker known for his exceptional transmissions, vision and ability to influence the course of the game.
He was a key figure for both Manchester City and the Belgian national team.
De Bruyne ’ s versatility makes him a key figure in modern football.
Recall that many actors and singers decide on plastic surgery, because often for them it is a necessity.
We told how 7 famous men adjusted their appearance.
Want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine - subscribe to our telegram channel!

His story can be an inspiring example for young players, showing how passion, dedication, and generosity of spirit can lead to greatness.

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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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

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

At the core of Messi’s reputation is his remarkable record of accomplishments at both club and international levels.

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.

Making his first-team debut for FC Barcelona at just 17, Messi quickly became the club’s most decorated player.

He holds nearly every major record at Barcelona, including most appearances, most goals, and most trophies won.

Title:

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.

He scored an unparalleled 672 goals for Barcelona, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s record of goals scored at a single club.

Title:

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

Last Updated
Getty Images

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

His 91 goals in the calendar year of 2012 set a new world record, highlighting his consistency and excellence over time.

In terms of personal recognition, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, acknowledging him as the best player in the world far more often than any rival.

Title:

Content: Ronaldo and Miscbssports
The 10 best players in football history
The difference between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was obvious.
The Daily Mail has named the 50 best footballers of all time.
Despite the ongoing debate over the best between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the difference in the rankings between the two legends was clear.
Among the notable absentees from Brazil's top 50 list was Neymar, despite being the best goalscorer in Brazilian history.
Here is the list of the top 10 players in history according to the Daily Mail:
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
It is controversial that Cristiano Ronaldo, who many consider better than playing football, finished 10th.
Ronaldo has won five gold balls throughout his career and is the most scoring player ever, and the 39-year-old has led his country to its first ever international title and holds the record for the highest number of international goals ever with 128 goals for Portugal.
Ronaldo is the historic scorer of the Champions League with 141 goals and has won the competition five times, including three consecutive titles.
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Messi or Ronaldo.
Ramos has chosen the best player in history.
9. Zico
In ninth place comes Brazilian legend Zico who, although he has never won a World Cup, is widely regarded in Brazil as a bigger champion than many other players.
Zico was known for his steady ball abilities and was by far the star of Brazil's squad at the 1982 World Cup.
8. Garrincha
Another Brazilian legend comes in eighth place with Garrincha sneaking ahead of both Ronaldo and Zico.
Garrincha is widely regarded as the champion of Brazil's 1958 World Cup victory and was crowned best player of the tournament in 1962, a year marked by a major absence for Pele due to injury in the early stages.
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7. Ronaldo Nazario
Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldo Nazario finished seventh and controversially ahead of the Portuguese star.
Ronaldo ’ s natural talent was something to watch, and he has won the Ballon d ’ Or twice, but unfortunately, his career has been heavily affected by injuries.
6. Alfredo Di Stefano
Alfredo Di Stéfano, the second best Real Madrid goalscorer of all time behind Cristiano Ronaldo, won five European Cups and scored in every final, including a brilliant hat-trick in the 1960 final.
5. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane enters the list strongly and occupies fifth place and Zidane is distinguished by his ability to control the ball throughout the pitch.
Zidane made history after leading France to the 1998 World Cup by scoring two goals against Brazil in the final and leading Real Madrid to the Champions League title in 2001 / 2002.
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4. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is arguably one of the most important minds in football, despite missing out on the top three.
Cruyff is widely believed to be the founder of the concept of "inclusive football", a tactic that remains in football today through coaches such as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
Johan Cruyff won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax and made one of the most famous skillful moves in football at the 1974 World Cup against Sweden.
3. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona ’ s name cannot be missed when mentioning the best footballers in history.
If one game can perfectly sum it up, it is the 1986 World Cup against England.
Oddly enough, many still remember his famous hand-held goal rather than focusing on his historic World Cup goal after England ’ s skill and manipulation.
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Ronaldo is crazy and I want to be the best player in the world like him.
2. Pelé
Pele finished second in the rankings and the Brazilian legend stands out as the only player to have won the World Cup three times, making his first victory as a teenager in 1958.
Pele became the iconic leader of the greatest football team in history, the Brazilian team that won the 1970 World Cup.
1. Lionel Messi
Argentine star Lionel Messi ranked first in the ranking of the best footballers in history.
Messi is the player who has won the most Ballon d'Or in history with eight awards.
Messi has one of the greatest careers in the history of football, winning the Champions League three times for Barcelona and finishing second in the championship goalscorer's standings.
Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, in which he scored seven goals, including four penalties.
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He has also claimed multiple Golden Boot awards for Europe’s top goal scorer and became the youngest player to win three Ballon d’Or titles, a testament to his precocious brilliance and lasting dominance .

Title:

Content: "I don't see those things like that" - When Cristiano Ronaldo made surprise comment on rivalry with Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo recently discussed his long-time rivalry with Lionel Messi, revealing that the duo were not friends.

Both players have seen their rivalry in Spain shape their lives and drive them to new heights never seen before in football. Currently, they have the most Ballons d'Or awards, racking up a combined 13 in well over a decade.

However, they have since stopped playing in European football. Both Ronaldo and Messi have entered a new chapter in their careers by signing with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami in the USA, respectively.

Speaking about their competition at a press conference in September 2023, Ronaldo notably stated (via GOAL):

"If you like Cristiano, you don't have to hate Messi. The two changed the history of football and are respected. Rivalry? I don't see those things like that, we shared the stage for 15 years. I'm not saying we are friends but we respect each other."

Lionel Messi spent the bulk of his career at Barcelona, before moving to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain. He played for only two clubs in Europe, before opting for a move stateside.

Cristiano Ronaldo was more of a journeyman, playing for Sporting, before moving to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and finally Juventus. He returned to England for a short stint with the Red Devils before moving to the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranks lower than Lionel Messi in Daily Mail's Top 50 Footballers of all time

Recently, The Daily Mail (via SportBible) released its list of the 50 greatest football players of all time, with Lionel Messi at the top and Cristiano Ronaldo far below, in 10th place.

This list declares the legendary Argentine to be the greatest player ever. In 1052 games so far, he has scored 826 goals, 363 assists, and won eight Ballon d'Or trophies. UEFA Men's Player of the Year, Copa America Best Player, and FIFA World Cup Golden Balls are among the other trophies in his trophy case.

His Portuguese counterpart, on the other hand, has won five Ballon d'Or trophies. In 1213 games till now, he has scored 879 goals and provided 249 assists. Among his honors are the European Golden Shoes, the Champions League top scorer titles, the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and the FIFA Puskas award.

After Messi, other legends included Pele, Diego Maradona, Johann Cryuff, Zinedine Zidane, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo Nazario, Garrincha, and Zico, all before Ronaldo.

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Edited by Ankush Das

Messi’s achievements extend beyond the club stage.

Title:

Content: As he turns 37, Lionel Messi is under no illusions about the amount of time he has left in his football career.

"Inter Miami will be my last club, yes," the Argentina star said a fortnight before his birthday. "As of today, it's gonna be my last one. I love playing football, I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that every time there's less and less."

The veteran is part of Argentina's Copa America squad this summer, though, looking to add another continental title. His great rival Cristiano Ronaldo is in a similar boat with Portugal at Euro 2024, despite both men being in the twilight of their careers.

For some time, Messi and Ronaldo were the pinnacle of club football as they traded Ballon d'Or wins. As Messi turns 37, Mirror Football takes a closer look at that rivalry... and everything the South American achieved before and since.

Ronaldo rivalry

Ronaldo and Messi weren't in the same league until 2009, but the rivalry between the pair - at least in the eyes of the media - came earlier. The Portugal star, then at Manchester United, beat Messi to the Ballon d'Or in 2008 to set off a decade-long run where no other player claimed the award.

For the bulk of that period, the pair were trading blows in La Liga. There was a sense each brought the best out of the other, bringing about goal tallies which are scarcely believable even for those who were there when it all happened.

474 goals in 520 La Liga appearances was Messi's final tally for Barcelona, with Ronaldo bagging 311 in 292 outings for Madrid, though take away Messi's teenage years (Ronaldo moved to La Liga aged 24) and the goal-per-game ratios are even closer. In the Champions League, the pair sit one and two in the all-time counts thanks to Ronaldo's 141 goals in 187 appearances and Messi's 129 in 161.

How will you remember Lionel Messi's career? Have your say in the comments section

Messi holds a record eight Ballon d'Or wins, with Ronaldo second with five, though four of those came in five years at Real Madrid between 2013 and 2017 during which he won three Champions League titles to Messi's one. Still, Ronaldo's reaction to Messi's eighth win in 2023 suggested the personal rivalry continues to play on his mind.

Since moving to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has been reminded of his rival even more. On one occasion, during a match against Al-Shabab, his reaction to opposition fans chanting the name of the Argentine was enough to earn him a domestic ban.

Despite that, though, there remains plenty of mutual respect when it comes to the pair's on-field achievements. "It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception. Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were great rivals in Formula One." Ronaldo told RMC Sport in 2020.

Back in 2018, when Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus, Messi said: "It was nice to play against Cristiano, he made Madrid a stronger side. I said at the beginning of the season that Madrid would miss him, as any team would.

"It made a lot of Madrid fans a bit angry but that is the reality. Any team would miss him. He scores 50 goals a season and he was the key player for them, of course, they were going to miss that."

Tearful Barcelona exit

Three years after Ronaldo departed Madrid, Messi said goodbye to Barcelona. It was a slightly different situation, though - while Ronaldo had spent close to a decade in the Spanish capital, his rival was leaving the only club he had known since the age of 13.

Messi scored 38 goals in all competitions in his final Barca season, helping the team score more than anyone else in La Liga, but they could only finish third behind the two Madrid clubs after a late-season collapse. He bowed out with a Copa del Rey triumph, but any hopes of a farewell Champions League victory ended in the round of 16 against a Kylian Mbappe-inspired Paris Saint-Germain.

The Catalan club's financial concerns were plain to see as Messi's contract was allowed to run down in the summer of 2021. Once it became clear he couldn't stick around - despite efforts to agree reduced terms - the gravity of the situation hit him.

"Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled," Barcelona said in a statement confirming 'economic and structural obstacles' stood in the way of a renewal. “Barça would like to thank with all its heart the player's contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.”

Messi confirmed the inevitable in a press conference of his own, breaking down in tears as he confirmed he was leaving Camp Nou after more than two decades. "I did everything to stay. I can't add anything else," he said.

"No doubt, this is the hardest moment [of my career]," Messi told reporters when confirming the exit. "We got hurtful defeats but football gives you a chance to revenge that. But there is no turning point to this”

“I feel very sad now as I have to leave a club that I love. I did not expect this. I always told the truth. Last year I wanted to leave, this year I did not want to leave”

Two years at Paris Saint-Germain followed, with Messi unable to add a Champions League title with the French club, before a move to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. Speculation over a Barcelona return continued to follow him around during that period, and he would later reflect on how tough things were.

"My departure from Barcelona to Paris was not something I wanted," Messi admitted in the summer of 2023. I did not want to leave and it happened from one day to the next, it also took a while for me to quickly get used to a totally different place both in the city and in sports and made it difficult."

World Cup triumph

Despite his individual and club honours with Barcelona, international glory continued to evade him. There were plenty of painful moments, not least the 2014 World Cup final loss and defeats to Chile in the final of the Copa America.

It's easy to forget how well Messi played in that 2014 run, taking an often-ordinary Argentina side within touching distance of glory. The 2018 campaign was over before it really got started, with the Albiceleste scraping out of their group but losing to eventual champions France in the round of 16, but it was a different story in 2022.

Things started in the worst possible fashion, with Saudi Arabia stunning Argentina despite Messi scoring from the penalty spot. After the 2-1 loss, he was almost lost for words while recognising the size of the task ahead.

"I had never suffered such a hard blow with this group of players," he said. "Things happen for a reason. Now, obviously, we have to win or win."

Win and win is exactly what they did. A deadlock-breaking goal from Messi against Mexico set up a 2-0 win and brought back memories of his strikes in 2014, but it was team-mates Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez who came up with the goods after Messi saw a penalty saved by Poland's Wojciech Szczesny in the crucial final group game.

When it came to the knockouts, Messi stepped up in a big way. He scored in each of Argentina's matches as they overcame Australia, The Netherlands and Croatia to book their place in the final, also netting in the penalty shoot-out against the Dutch - just as he had done in the 2014 semis.

He was on target again in the final, but things were never going to be easy. A Messi penalty and a second goal from Angel Di Maria put the South Americans two goals to the good against France with 10 minutes remaining, only for a quickfire Kylian Mbappe brace to force extra-time.

Messi netted again in the extra period, only for Mbappe to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot, and only a big save from Emi Martinez stopped Randal Kolo Muani scoring a last-gasp winner for Les Bleus. Another Martinez save denied Kingsley Coman in the shoot-out, and Messi and Argentina could finally breathe a sigh of relief when Gonzalo Montiel put away the winning spot-kick.

Martinez would later lift the lid on the "amazing" speech from Messi which paved the way for that success. "[He was] talking about family and what it cost us to be at the World Cup," Martinez said during the 'Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend' Apple TV documentary.

"It made us cry to basically everyone. It was like a group of friends going on an adventure and reaching the end. He said, 'Whatever happens, thank you for everything you have done for me.' And he would say, 'This is it, this is the one. We have to hold it.'"

They did indeed hold it, delivering Messi the World Cup he was striving for ever since playing in the competition for the first time back in 2006. It came after a Copa America triumph in 2021 - almost unbelievably the first of his career.

Messi might not have long to go in his career, but he still has time to add to his achievements. Inter Miami are pushing for silverware after reuniting Messi with his former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, and he could yet celebrate another international title right at home in Florida as he aims to go back-to-back.

Argentina got off to a winning start in the 2024 Copa America, which is being held in the United States. Victory in the final at Miami Gardens would be the ideal way to cap off an international career which has - at last - delivered everything it promised.

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Although he carried great expectations from his homeland, Argentina, on the international stage, for many years a major trophy eluded him.

Eventually, he enabled Argentina to win major honors: the Copa America and, most recently, the coveted FIFA World Cup.

His 2022 World Cup performances were a display of maturity, leadership, and competitive spirit.

These victories resolved the biggest question surrounding his career and cemented his legacy as a global sports icon who succeeded at the very highest level for both club and country .

Title:

Content: Meet the 10 Greatest Dodgers of All Time
Dribbling is one of the toughest skills in football, and few players are able to master it, giving them an edge over rivals at important moments.
A report published by sportskeeda reviews a list of the 10 greatest dodgers of all time.
10.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest players and is now one of the best coaches in world football and has achieved a lot in the world of football.
The French goalscorer has a talent: he was a creative player, one of the most marketable footballers of his heyday, and has represented some of the world ’ s biggest clubs such as Juventus and Real Madrid.
The World Cup winner took charge of Real Madrid in 2016, and led him to win three consecutive Champions League titles during his first season with him, and then in 2019, led the team to win the La Liga title during his second term, but left the club this summer.
9.
Roberto Baggio
He is one of the greatest Italian players and has impressed the fans with his impressive attacking abilities.
Baggio started his football career at Vicenza, but made his name at Fiorentina.
Baggio joined Juventus under controversial circumstances and won the first division once.
Throughout his career, the Italian was known for being a fixer-kick specialist and world-class elusive, penetrating the opponent ’ s defenses with his fast feet.
8.
Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario was the inspiration for top footballers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.
Ronaldo was known as a fearsome striker during his heyday, as the Brazilian combined speed and physical strength with his excellent passes and ability to control the ball.
Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or twice in his career and has won the World Cup twice.
However, he was not lucky because of the serious injuries he suffered.
7.
Roberto Revelino
Gifted drifter Revillino spent much of his career in Brazil, playing for Corinthians and Fluminense during that time.
Thanks to his agility, Revillino was a world-class pass master and one of Brazil ’ s most important players, winning the World Cup in 1970.
6.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff revolutionized football thanks to his style of play and way of thinking.
Coming out of Ajax Youth Academy, Cruyff was the best player in the world during the height of his brilliance, and this Dutch international player was creative in play as well as being one of the best scorers.
In 1973, Cruyff left Ajax to join Barcelona, Ajax and Barcelona are now intrinsically linked, and Cruyff ’ s fingerprints are still evident in how clubs are managed, from the youth academy to the first team.
The three-time Golden Ball laureate has also managed Ajax and Barcelona with great success.
5.
Pele.
The Brazilian international spent most of his football career with Santos, the best goalscorer in the club ’ s history.
He has achieved great success thanks to his career in Brazil, winning the World Cup three times with the national team, and stunned everyone with his scoring ability, dribbling skills and perseverance.
Pele is the best goalscorer in Brazilian history, leaving Santos in 1974 to join the New York Cosmos, and retiring in 1977.
4.
Ronaldinho
Brazil gave birth to many talented and creative strikers, perhaps Ronaldinho most prominent of them, he was the best footballer in the world during his time with Barcelona, and the Brazilian international was smart and specialized in play and talented.
Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and played an important role in honing Lionel Messi's talent, and Ronaldinho's evasive skills and style of play impressed many football fans around the world.
3.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi continues to impress fans at the top level and is arguably the greatest player in football.
Since his debut in 2004, the Argentinian international has not lost ground, and he is now the greatest player in Barcelona ’ s history.
The 34-year-old has finally led his country to the 2021 Copa America and is now the frontrunner for the seventh Ballon d'Or.
2.
Diego Maradona
Striker Maradona Maruaga was talented, having won the World Cup while playing for Argentina in 1986, and had a brilliant career at the highest level.
In addition, the Argentine international had a complex personality, but his inimitable genius made the world look at him with reverence.
1.
Garrinchia
Garrinchia is the greatest elusive of all time, and for many he is even better than Pele.
Garrincia spent almost his entire career playing for Botafogo in Brazil.
The dodger is world class, having won two World Cups with Brazil and was crowned World Cup Player of the Year in 1962.
Garrincia won the World Cup Golden Ball and the World Cup Golden Shoe in 1962, and the Brazilian striker left his mark in the world of football for his remarkable ability to dodge.
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Off the score sheet, Messi’s playing style places him in a class of his own.

Renowned for his exceptional dribbling, agility, vision, and close control, he can glide past defenders even in the tightest spaces.

Title:

Content: How Tall Is Lionel Messi?

News

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 combination of quick acceleration and a low center of gravity allows him to keep composure under pressure and maintain possession seemingly effortlessly.

Beyond goal scoring, Messi excels as a playmaker, displaying unmatched vision and creativity in providing goal assists and initiating attacking moves.

He is versatile, able to operate as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder, and is constantly involved in the constructive, elegant football that characterizes top teams.

These technical qualities mean that he is both the focal point and the heartbeat of any lineup he graces .

Title:

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.

MORE: Collymore’s INCREDIBLE suggestion

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.”

More Stories Lionel Messi Roony Bardghji

Messi is also celebrated for his sportsmanship, work ethic, and leadership.

Title:

Content: Did Lionel Messi Go To College?

News

Did Lionel Messi Go To College?

In the world of professional sports, it is not uncommon for athletes to forgo higher education in pursuit of their dreams. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is no exception. Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s journey to stardom began at a young age, and his dedication to the sport led him down a different path than that of a traditional college education.

Early Life and Football Career
Messi’s passion for football was evident from a young age. At just six years old, he joined the youth team of his local club, Newell’s Old Boys. His exceptional skills quickly caught the attention of scouts, and at the age of 13, he moved to Barcelona, Spain, to join the prestigious La Masia academy. It was here that Messi’s talent flourished, and he rapidly rose through the ranks to become a key player for FC Barcelona.

Education and College
While Messi’s focus was primarily on his football career, he did receive a basic education during his time in Argentina. Like many young athletes, his commitment to training and matches left little time for formal education. However, it is important to note that in Argentina, primary and secondary education is compulsory, ensuring that Messi received a foundational education.

FAQ

1. Did Lionel Messi attend university?
No, Messi did not attend university. His dedication to football led him to pursue a professional career at a young age.

2. Did Messi complete high school?
While Messi did not complete high school in the traditional sense, he did receive a basic education in Argentina, as primary and secondary education is compulsory.

3. Does Messi regret not going to college?
There is no public information to suggest that Messi regrets not pursuing a college education. His incredible success in football speaks for itself.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi did not attend college. His exceptional talent and early dedication to football propelled him to the heights of the sport, leaving little room for a traditional college education. Nevertheless, Messi’s achievements on the field continue to inspire millions around the world, proving that success can be achieved through passion, hard work, and talent.

He consistently leads by example with his humility, discipline in training, and commitment to excellence.

Teammates and coaches often cite his positive influence on the group, not just with his technical gifts but also through his professionalism and everyday dedication to recovery, improvement, and teamwork.

This has a powerful effect on young footballers who view him as an ideal role model on and off the field .

Globally, Messi’s impact stretches beyond the matches he plays.

Title:

Content: Argonautics
Blog
Messi shines in PSG: promotes, sharpens, scores.
No one else thinks he ’ s only in Barca.
After a difficult debut season in Paris, Lionel Messi returns to the top level and performance.
He is the best assistant of the top 5 leagues (9 assists, the same as Kevin de Bruyne), scored 6 + 9 goals + pass (1.4 scoring actions in 90 minutes), only Erling Holand (17 + 3), Robert Lewandowski (12 + 4) and Neymar (9 + 7) scored more than him.
In the Champions League, everything is also great: he is second in goal + pass with 4 + 3, pursuing the same Holland with 6 + 2.
Of course, Messi ’ s gaming influence goes far beyond the main statistics.
It seems that this season he finds harmony between the promotion of the ball, creation and completion.
In short: what didn ’ t happen last season?
Reminder: in the League 1-2021 / 22 Messi scored only six goals.
In League 1-2022 / 23, he has already reached this point, although less than a third of the season has passed.
In terms of scoring qualities (the expected threat and implementation) Messi really played objectively worse than in Barcelona.
Both the overall decline in the number of moments and the weak completion affected the performance.
In terms of 90 minutes, Messi in PSG -2021 / 22 scored only 0.25 goals per game - his worst result in his career was 0.46 goals in the 2007 / 08 season.
In the next 13 seasons for Barça, he never went below 0.78 (2019 / 20), in eight cases he broke the goal mark every 90 minutes.
In contrast to the last seasons at Barça, it is noticeable that PSG has badly deteriorated implementation (by the way, the best in the world), the expected threat (xG) has also decreased significantly.
At the same time, there was no regression in the creation and promotion at all.
Only in four seasons of La Liga for Barça Messi did more assists than in the first year for PSG (14).
According to the promotion metrics of the ball, Leo completely surpassed the performance of the late Barca.
It is expected that Messi was strongly criticized for weak performance, while rarely noting his power in other stages.
Even Karim Benzema stood up for Messi – he knows more than anyone that you can be very useful without heads: “The lack of heads is tolerated due to the period of adaptation.
Better watch what Messi is doing on the field.
“Those who criticize Leo now don ’ t know anything about football. ”
PSG partner Ander Herrera also actively defended: “They demand 50 goals per season from Messi – it ’ s difficult.
Do not forget that Messi hit the bars and crossbars 10 times, setting a League 1 record of all time.
10 more heads and everything would be better. ”
However, in Barça there were seasons with 11, 12, and 14 bars – we checked.
In the system of Mauricio Pochettino Messi received the role of a very free ten: cruised along the entire central axis, descended to the center of the field, sometimes shifted to the right flank.
In the center of the PSG midfield there were always more destroyers than ball engines, and this engine was Leo Messi.
The Argentine guaranteed constant progress, and he was very good at it.
But in the final stage there were enough problems.
First, the very realization – Messi was objectively bad.
Secondly, the long search for a connection with Neymar and Mbappe.
Pochettino blamed the greased preseason because of the Euro and the Copa América and explained this misunderstanding in the first half of the season.
Mbappe said: “It ’ s a pity that we didn ’ t play until April 2022. ”
Third, microtraumas obviously affected the game tone.
The very period of adaptation with household nuances also affected – Pochettino said that Leo had problems with this.
Fourth, the Pochettino system.
The coach built a strong frame to protect against the loss of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar.
The attacking foundation remained flimsy.
From the center of the midfield, no one could constantly be included in the line of attack as Messi came down for the ball.
Extreme defenders could not constantly rise to someone else ’ s front – the 4-X-X scheme a priori imposes more defensive obligations than the positions of the laterals in the 3-X-X.
Pochettino, if you want, is easy to justify: well, how else to play with such a set of attackers?
The elite three should have enough creativity to get the result in the attack.
All the rest are needed for insurance and good protection in the seven field.
But now we see an example with coach Christophe Galtier - PSG with Messi, Neymar and Mbappe and attacks more diverse, and defends no worse than the version of Pochettino.
Galtier corrected the role of Messi: plays deeper, but still very much sharpens and beats
The most important fact about the attacking trio, which we noted earlier, is the clear distribution of roles.
Mbappe is a moving forward scorer, Neymar is the master of the last pass, Messi is the ball promotion machine.
The promotion this season is ideologically different from the promotion in the past.
Under Pochettino, the strikers of PSG freely descended to the center of the field and in the Brownian movement had to come up with a moment, if desired, connecting partners (there was usually little desire).
Now, due to the clear distribution, the attacking pattern of PSG can be easily simplified to the following scheme: descending Messi into the center of the field - finding Neymar between the lines - passing on the opening behind the backs of the defenders of Mbappe.
From the main pattern comes a large number of relevant deviations of varying degrees of popularity.
Neymar can: wait for the incoming Leo and roll under attack from the support zone, wait and launch the combinational carousel, give on the left flank Nuna Mendes to stretch the opponent ’ s defense, go in the stroke, give a pass to Vitinje, who rose from the center of the field when Messi went down there.
Then Leo starts the attack and hits himself 15 seconds later.
Here comes down, while his place in the top three of the attack is taken by Vitinha.
Below are the heat maps of Messi ’ s actions in the season-2021 / 22 and 2022 / 23.
Pay attention to the red zones in the opponent ’ s penalty area and in the central semicircle on his half of the field – this was not the case before.
Messi began to descend even lower - normally, given that now there is a central midfielder who rises in the line of attack and maintains balance.
At the same time, Messi often touches the ball in the penalty area - it means that his advances are not choked, and after a pass from the depths, he can threaten himself, turning on and at the completion stage.
Another detail: there is no skew to the right flank, Messi plays centrally.
It works.
Below is a list of statistical indicators, where Lionel Messi ranks first in Europe.
Not in PSG, not in Ligue 1, but in all the top-5 leagues.
As you can see, Messi retains a huge attacking variability: both in the end (strikes), and in the creation (assists, pre-shock actions, passes to the penalty), and in the promotion (promoting passes).
In many other metrics – from the total weight of punches in xG to passes in the final third – Messi is in the top 5 / top 10.
Think about it: Messi makes more promotional programs (both in absolute value and in terms of 90 minutes) than, for example, Joshua Kimmich and Tony Kroos - recognized masters of business, with whom brilliant passes forward are associated.
They are really beautiful in this role.
But Messi still bypasses them, while dominating other stages of the attack.
Luis Enrique, who coached Messi at Barça, spoke beautifully of Leo ’ s multitasking influence: “If Messi plays a nine, he ’ s the best nine in the world.
If eight is the best eight in the world.
If six is the best six. ”
Leo himself reflected on the theme of the difficult first season: “Hard times – sometimes it seemed like I couldn ’ t find myself.
Everything is fine now: I feel comfortable at PSG, we have a great atmosphere in the dressing room, I like my partners and the team ’ s performance.
I ’ m enjoying my game again. ”
An important detail of Messi ’ s success is his progress in team arrangements with other PSG players.
Galtier beautifully said the obvious thing: “The peculiarity of Messi is that he really likes to play partners.
He is a football altruist. ”
• Work with Neymar and Mbappe – top.
No screenshots will reveal the magic of Leo and Ney – just watch PSG matches and enjoy, it ’ s pure football.
Mbappe sometimes makes mistakes in short drawings (and Messi, too, he is not a robot), but with Kilian sometimes there are beautiful attacks.
The most stable option is to pass Messi behind the backs of the defenders (this is how Lilla scored in the seventh second of the match), the main highlight is Messi ’ s goal against Ajaccio after passing Mbappe with his heel.
Neymar defended Messi last season, and after a powerful start of the new campaign only referred to the old words: “Leo remains Leo.
He will never change, that player always makes a difference. ”
• Excellent understanding with the new center of the Verratti field – Vitinha.
About the newcomer "Porto" has already been said - very clearly rises to the penalty area, reacting to the descents of Messi in midfield.
Verratti became much better to beat Leo in the wall, and if necessary, Marco flies off into the defense line, pulling the opponent higher and looking for a corridor for Messi to pass into the center of the field.
Verratti originally praised Messi: “His game is the simple things that make you fall in love with football. ”
• Improved communication with the laterals of Nunu Mendesh (left) and Ashraf Hakimi (right).
Mendes is the regular addressee for diagonal passes from the bottom of the center of the field closer to the edge of the box.
Against “Lille ” together built a beautiful goal.
It is too early to talk about the similarity with the legendary bunch of Messi and Alba in Barcelona – the Portuguese does not have enough reading the game for constant runs into the penalty box under Messi ’ s scoops from the support zone.
But Mendes gives great shots.
And Leo fell in love with Mendes so much that he put him in second place in the voting for the Raymond Cop prize for the best player under 21 (only Gavi is higher).
Hakimi is the addressee for Messi ’ s vertical gears from the depth behind the backs of the defenders.
Here is an example from the match against Ajaccio, where Messi first pushes the ball into the attack, and then sharpens the pass on accelerating Hakimi.
Can Messi get any better?
The most obvious request is help with getting out of the pressure.
Neymar stands out from the attacking trio: he regularly descends to the penalty area to quickly run out into a counterattack through a pass or bold dribbling.
Mbappe was integrated in a peculiar way - in some matches of Ligue 1, he served as a kind of target who should take casts from the penalty box.
It didn ’ t work very well, the central defenders pushed from behind.
Messi enters the game only with a counterattack.
Its resistance under pressure and dribbling are quite relevant to help with overcoming the pressure.
In addition, a difficult dilemma for defenders: either to rise very high for Leo (with personal guardianship), or pass to midfielders who will have to follow another player (with zone pressure).
Another point is the effectiveness of dribbling.
Yes, Messi leads the most in the top 5 leagues, but the percentage of successful attempts is 56.4.
This is a good result, considering the number of strokes is even excellent, but we are talking about the absolute top level.
In the last 5 seasons, the Argentine figure has never fallen below 59.8%, so this year Leo has slightly sagged.
Messi goes a lot in the stroke in the central axis, so the stakes increase: success - the chance to immediately make the attack more dangerous, failure - the risk of getting a quick attack in response.
Against tenacious supports (for example, Camara from AS Monaco) Leo sometimes does not have enough acceleration and sharpness, and because of this, PSG can get burned.
Playing without the ball is an understandable point that PSG simply accepts and seeks adaptation.
The main of them is the extension of laterals for pressing the extreme defenders of the opponent, we analyzed this tool here.
Another important point in contrast to Messi ’ s weak defensive performance is Neymar ’ s valuable defensive work.
Due to the forced transition after injuries of the central defenders from 3-4-3 to 4-4-2 rhombus, PSG became more difficult.
Given the characteristics of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar without the ball, PSG is much easier to defend with a five in line, not a four.
Messi ’ s losses in the middle of the field look even more dangerous – less insurance in the back.
The pressure is also sagging: Hakimi and Mendes can no longer move as before.
So for Leo, and especially for the team, returning to 3-X-X will be useful.
Finally, implementation!
Yes, in the new season with her there are problems – Messi scored 6 goals in Ligue 1 with 7.1 xG.
This is an unpleasant result for any attack player, and certainly disappointing for Leo, who himself set records for anomalous implementation.
Probably, even geniuses are not able to ignore regression to the average.
But with these nuances, Messi claims to be the best in the world.
Ahead of the most important (Leo himself said that the last) attempt to take the world Cup with Argentina and a new quest to fight for the Champions League with PSG.
A difficult journey, but the more interesting it is to follow Messi – he is still very good.
Telegram channel of the author
Neymar is being praised a lot for playing without the ball.
Fair enough?
Photo: Gettyimages.ru / Octavio Passos / Stringer, David Ramos; globallookpress.com / Panoramic / Keystone Press Agency, Naoki Morita / AFLO; REUTERS / Sarah Meyssonnier TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY, Pedro Nunes

He is admired worldwide by millions of fans and serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring footballers.

Stories abound of his admirers, including young players who mimic his style, collect his memorabilia, or even tattoo his autograph.

Title:

Content: Man gets Lionel Messi’s autograph tattooed on his arm. Fans love it

Francisco Ranieri, a huge fan of Messi, had the opportunity to play alongside his idol during a friendly game in Florida. That's where he got Messi's autograph on his arm.

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A fan tattooed Lionel Messi's autograph on his arm.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A fan tattooed Lionel Messi's autograph on his arm.
  • The post has over 5k likes.
  • Lionel Messi is the captain for the Argentine football team.

Ace footballer Lionel Messi’s fanbase is a dedicated and massive one. However, one fan has taken his love for the Argentine professional footballer up many notches and his story is now viral. Francisco Ranieri, a huge fan of Messi, had the opportunity to play alongside his idol during a friendly game in Florida. Ranieri is the keeper for Inter Miami.

Ranieri shared an Instagram post describing ‘the best day of his life’. He described how he got Lionel Messi’s signature on his arm while Messi was in Florida for the friendly game. Ranieri then went ahead to get the autograph tattooed permanently on his arm. It is safe to say, the lucky fan ended up with a ‘Messi’ arm!

“The best day of my life. Yesterday I fulfilled a dream. I shared the pitch with the players I admire, with my national team. I met my idol, the best player in history, an incredible person on and off the pitch, my example to follow! The emotion of seeing you and seeing that you agreed to sign my arm is indescribable. Leo you fulfilled a dream for me and every day I look at my arm I will remember the emotion I felt when I met you. I can't put into words how great you are! So much sacrifice and so many things left aside, to live dreams like the one I had to live yesterday. The opportunities that this sport is giving me! Now more than ever, to continue with everything!” read the caption.

Take a look:

The post has garnered tons of reactions and over 5k likes. People, especially fans, were awe-struck at Ranieri’s luck. Many commented on how Messi was an icon for a lot of young players trying to make a mark on the field.

Lionel Messi is the recipient of seven Ballon d'Or awards and six European Golden Shoes. He plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team.

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He represents determination, resilience, and the power of dreams fulfilled through hard work.

He demonstrates that true greatness comes not just from natural talent but from sustained effort, focus, and a refusal to give up in the face of obstacles .

A large part of Messi’s myth stems from the way he has continuously raised the standards of the game.

For much of his career, he faced intense rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, another all-time great.

This competition pushed both players to even greater heights, each breaking records and collecting trophies in parallel.

While both are celebrated as generational talents, Messi has the edge in individual acclaim, holding more Ballon d'Or awards (eight compared to Ronaldo's five) and cementing his legacy as the player who can do it all—score, assist, and inspire.

His completeness as a player—combining individual genius with a consistent winning mentality and team orientation—places him above many other legends, including Pelé and Diego Maradona, in numerous expert rankings .

The statistics and honors may tell only part of Messi's story, but they are astonishing in themselves.

He has won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and numerous domestic cups with Barcelona, while also bringing home Argentina’s first Copa America since 1993 and the World Cup after more than three decades.

Individually, he remains a record-breaker, not just in goals but in assists and overall contribution to team success.

His records and accolades are unlikely to be matched for years.

These facts, combined with his distinctive playing style and aura, help explain why he so often tops the lists of the greatest players in football history .

For a mother hoping to inspire her son to take up soccer, Messi’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance, humility, and the rewards of unwavering dedication.

Despite his relatively small size for a professional footballer, Messi overcame every obstacle—physical, competitive, and personal—by relentlessly focusing on his strengths and maintaining a passion for the sport.

His journey illustrates that greatness is accessible not just to the naturally gifted, but also to those with discipline, heart, and the courage to pursue their dreams, making Lionel Messi not only an all-time footballer but also an enduring role model for young athletes everywhere.