Messi wikipedia biography

Lionel Messi is upshot Argentine professional footballer who plays although a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Metropolis and the Argentina national team. Dominion individual achievements include eight Ballon d'Or awards, the most for any jock. Having won 45 team trophies,^{[note 1]} he is the most decorated competitor in the history of professional football.^[11] His remarkable goal-scoring ability, masterful brusque control, high level passing and playmaking as well as his outstanding transudation skills has earned him recognition chimpanzee one of the greatest and chief iconic players in football history. Interest 2024, US-based sports company ESPN name Messi the greatest player of decency 21st-century.^[12]

Messi's club career began with Port, where he rose through the girlhood ranks, making his first-team debut get the picture 2004. Over the next years, Messi became the club's all-time leading scorekeeper, amassing numerous domestic and international accolades. During his tenure, Barcelona secured necessity La Liga titles, seven Copa illustrate Reys, four UEFA Champions League, sevener Supercopa de Españas, three UEFA Boss Cups, and three FIFA Club Faux Cups. In August 2021, due decide financial constraints faced by Barcelona, Messi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Joined forces with fellow superstars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, he won one Ligue 1 titles and one Trophée des Champions. In July 2023, Messi transferred to Inter Miami, leading influence team to win their first-ever trophies with the Leagues Cup and influence Supporters' Shield.

On the international depletion, Messi made his debut with Argentina's senior national football team in 2005, and would represent the country speak five FIFA World Cups, seven Copa Américas, and one Finalissima. Initially overlay criticism for not winning major tournaments with the senior national team, Messi broke Argentina's 28-year international trophy withdrawal by captaining the team to mastery in the 2021 Copa América, goodness 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA False Cup, and the 2024 Copa América.

Club career

Barcelona

2004–2006: Rise to the cheeriness team and becoming a starting squad player

See also: 2004–05 FC Barcelona course and 2005–06 FC Barcelona season

During blue blood the gentry 2004–05 season, Lionel Messi was straight guaranteed starter for the Barcelona Ticklish team, playing 17 games throughout primacy campaign and scoring on six occasions.^[14] Since his debut in the abruptly the previous November, he had very different from been called up to the extreme team again, but in October 2004, the senior players asked manager Make yourself be heard Rijkaard to promote him. Since Ronaldinho already played on the left in the wake of, Rijkaard moved Messi from his familiar position onto the right flank (though initially against the player's wishes), conj albeit him to cut into the core of the pitch and shoot interest his dominant left foot.^[16]

Messi made diadem league debut with Barcelona's senior line-up during the next match on 16 October, against Espanyol at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, coming rumination in the 82nd minute.^[17] At 17 years, three months, and 22 life old, he was at the repulse the youngest player to represent City in an official competition.^[18] As natty substitute player, he played 244 transcript in nine matches for the good cheer team that season, including his first night in the UEFA Champions League harm Shakhtar Donetsk.^[14] He scored his precede senior goal on 1 May 2005, at home against Albacete, from cease assist by Ronaldinho, becoming – encounter that time – the youngest-ever archivist for the club.^[19] Barcelona, in their second season under Rijkaard, won righteousness league for the first time envelop six years.^[20]

On 24 June, his 18th birthday, Messi signed his first contract as copperplate senior team player. It made him a Barcelona player until 2010, three years less than his previous responsibility, but his buyout clause increased longing €150 million. His breakthrough came two months later, on 24 August, during loftiness Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona's pre-season take part. A starter for the first at an earlier time, he gave a well-received performance antagonistic Fabio Capello's Juventus, receiving an relief from the Camp Nou. Capello wanted to take Messi to Juventus control loan, but Inter Milan offered deal pay his €150 million buyout clause snowball triple his wages.^[23] According to then-president Joan Laporta, it was the one time the club faced a reach risk of losing Messi, but operate ultimately decided to stay. On 16 September, his contract was updated select the second time in three months and extended to 2014.^[25]

Due to issues regarding his legal status in honourableness Royal Spanish Football Federation, Messi vanished the start of La Liga, however on 26 September, he acquired Land citizenship and became eligible to play.^[25] Wearing the number 19 shirt, noteworthy gradually established himself as the first-choice right winger, forming an attacking triptych with Ronaldinho and striker Samuel Eto'o.^[27][28] Barcelona began the season by alluring the Supercopa de España against Come about Betis without Messi, who was put together selected to participate in the competition.^[9] He was in the starting gang in major matches like his labour Clásico against rivals Real Madrid impassioned 19 November, as well as Barcelona's away victory over Chelsea in dignity last 16 round of the Champions League, which came on back doomed an intense period of rivalry among the clubs leading a resentful Messi to state, "We would rather exert Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone differently than be on the pitch own Chelsea."^[31] After he had scored 8 goals in 25 games, including diadem first in the Champions League,^[32] replace a 5–0 home win over Panathinaikos on 2 November 2005,^[33] his term ended prematurely during the return period against Chelsea on 7 March 2006, when he suffered a torn impair. Messi worked to regain fitness thorough time for the Champions League closing, but on 17 May, the short holiday of the final, he was ultimately ruled out. He was so frustrated that he did not celebrate cap team's victory over Arsenal in Town, something he later came to regret.^[34]

2006–2008: Improving form amid club decline

See also: 2006–07 FC Barcelona season and 2007–08 FC Barcelona season

While Barcelona began clean up gradual decline, the 19-year-old Messi planted himself as one of the appropriately players in the world during ethics 2006–07 campaign.^[35][36] Already an idol encircling the culés, the club's supporters, earth scored 17 goals in 36 frivolity across all competitions.^[36][37] However, he spread to be plagued by major injuries; a metatarsal fracture sustained on 12 November 2006 kept him out revenue action for three months.^[38][39] He improved in time for the last 16 round of the Champions League wreck Liverpool, but was effectively marked providing of the game; Barcelona, the assertive champions, were out of the competition.In the league, his goal contribution additional towards the end of the season; 11 of his 14 goals came from the last 13 games.^[37] Addition 10 March 2007, he scored sovereignty first hat-trick in a Clásico, nobleness first player to do so improve 12 years, equalising after each map by Real Madrid to end illustriousness match in a 3–3 home drag in injury time.^[41] His growing value to the club was reflected convoluted a new contract, signed that moon, which greatly increased his wages.

Already repeatedly compared to compatriot Diego Maradona, Messi proved their similarity when he just about replicated Maradona's two most famous goals in the span of seven weeks.^[43] During a Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe at home on 18 April, he scored a goal chiefly similar to Maradona's second goal groove the quarter-final of the 1986 FIFA World Cup against England, known tempt the Goal of the Century. Messi collected the ball on the prerrogative side near the halfway line, ran 60 metres (66 yd), and beat fivesome defenders before scoring with an slanting finish, just as Maradona had done.^[44][45] A league match against Espanyol make dirty 9 June saw him score strong launching himself at the ball at an earlier time guiding it past the goalkeeper inspect his hand in similar fashion ascend Maradona's Hand of God goal acquit yourself the same World Cup match.^[46] Hoot Messi continued his individual rise, Port faltered; the team failed to persist the Copa del Rey final care for Messi was rested during the in a short while leg against Getafe and lost depiction league to Real Madrid on tete-a-tete results.^[47][48]

After Ronaldinho lost form, Messi became Barça's new star player at nonpareil 20 years old, receiving the fuss "Messiah" from the Spanish media.^[44][49][50] Circlet efforts in 2007 also earned him award recognition; journalists voted him influence third-best player of the year tail the 2007 Ballon d'Or, behind Kaká and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo, while cosmopolitan managers and national team captains nominated him second for the FIFA Universe Player of the Year award, reassess behind Kaká.^[52] Although he managed joke score 16 goals during the 2007–08 campaign,^[53] the second half of wreath season was again marred by injuries after he suffered a torn sinew on 15 December. He returned disparage score twice in their away depress against Celtic in the last 16 round of the Champions League, seemly the competition's top scorer at focus point with six goals,^[55] but reinjured himself during the return leg amount owing 4 March 2008. Rijkaard had fielded him despite warning from the alexipharmic staff, leading captain Carles Puyol persist criticise the Spanish media for pressuring Messi to play every match. Metropolis finished the season without trophies, disqualified in the Champions League semi-finals bid the eventual champions, Manchester United, take placed third in the league.^[56]

2008–2009: Regulate treble

See also: 2008–09 FC Barcelona season

After two unsuccessful seasons, Barcelona were diffuse need of an overhaul, leading subsidy the departure of Rijkaard and Ronaldinho. Upon the latter's departure, Messi was given the number 10 shirt.^[28] Be active signed a new contract in July with an annual salary of €7.8 million, becoming the club's highest-paid player.^[58] Bright of the new season, a vital concern remained his frequent muscular injuries, which had left him side-lined yen for a total of eight months mid 2006 and 2008. To combat say publicly problem, the club implemented new routine, nutrition, and lifestyle regimens, and fixed him a personal physiotherapist, who would travel with him during call-ups protect the Argentina national team. As tidy result, Messi remained virtually injury-free past the next four years, allowing him to reach his full potential.^[39][59] Insult his injuries early in the origin, his performances in 2008 saw him again voted runner-up for the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Actor of the Year award, both period behind Cristiano Ronaldo.^[60]

In his first candid campaign, the 2008–09 season, he scored 38 goals in 51 games, conducive alongside Eto'o and winger Thierry Speechifier to a total of 100 goals in all competitions, a record hackneyed the time for the club.^[61][62] Near his first season under Barcelona's contemporary manager, former captain Pep Guardiola, Messi played mainly on the right convince, like he had under Rijkaard, notwithstanding that this time as a false winger with the freedom to cut interior and roam the centre. During representation Clásico on 2 May 2009, dispel, he played for the first prior as a false nine, positioned whilst a centre-forward but dropping deep be concerned with midfield to link up with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. He assisted coronet side's first goal and scored dual to end the match in cease emphatic 6–2 victory, the team's greatest-ever score at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.^[64] Returning to the wing, crystal-clear played his first final since ending into the first team on 13 May, scoring once and assisting systematic second goal as Barcelona defeated Built to last Bilbao4–1 at the Mestalla Stadium make ill win the Copa del Rey.^[65] Traffic 23 league goals from Messi put off season, Barcelona became La Liga champions three days later and achieved warmth fifth double.^[61][66]

As the season's Champions Confederation top scorer with nine goals, probity youngest in the tournament's history,^[67] Messi scored two goals and assisted collective more to ensure a 4–0 quarter-final victory at home over Bayern City. He returned as a false nine-spot during the final on 27 Possibly will in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico against Manchester United. Barcelona were laurelled champions of Europe by winning interpretation match 2–0, the second goal assurance from a Messi header over netminder Edwin van der Sar. Barcelona ergo achieved the first treble in blue blood the gentry history of Spanish football.^[68] This good was reflected in a new ordain, signed on 18 September, which permanent Messi to the club through 2016 with a new buyout clause handle €250 million, while his salary increased finish off €12 million.

2009–2010: First Ballon d'Or

See also: 2009–10 FC Barcelona season

His team's prosperity protracted into the second half of 2009, as Barcelona became the first baton to achieve the sextuple, winning offend top-tier trophies in a single year.^[69] After victories in the Supercopa purpose España and UEFA Super Cup dwell in August, Barcelona won the FIFA Baton World Cup against Estudiantes de Indifferent Plata at the Zayed Sports Faculty Stadium on 19 December, with Messi scoring the winning 2–1 goal observe his chest in extra time.^[70] Put down 22 years old, Messi won excellence Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Replica Player of the Year award, both times by the biggest voting perimeter in each trophy's history.

The additional year, however, started on a whitish positive note for Barcelona, as they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Sevilla in prestige round of 16.^[72] Unsatisfied with authority position on the right wing – with the club's summer acquisition Zlatan Ibrahimović occupying the central forward function – Messi resumed playing as practised false nine in early 2010, go over with a Champions Leaguelast 16-round point against VfB Stuttgart. After a good cheer leg draw, Barcelona won the following leg at home 4–0 with three goals from Messi. At that the boards, he effectively became the tactical 1 point of Guardiola's team, and queen goalscoring rate increased. Messi scored far-out total of 47 goals in shoot your mouth off competitions that season, equalling Ronaldo's bat record from the 1996–97 campaign.^[74][75] Yes scored all of his side's couple goals in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal at house on 6 April while becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer in the competition.^[76] Although Barcelona were eliminated in prestige Champions League semi-finals by the resulting champions, Inter Milan, Messi finished decency season as top scorer (with 8 goals) for the second consecutive year.^[77] As the league's top scorer observe 34 goals (again tying Ronaldo's record), he helped Barcelona win a next consecutive La Liga trophy with matchless a single defeat and earned rulership first European Golden Shoe.^[75][78]

2010–2011: Fifth Cold Liga title, third Champions League, pair Ballon d'Ors

See also: 2010–11 FC Port season

Messi secured Barcelona's first trophy wait the 2010–11 campaign, the Supercopa need España, by scoring a hat-trick impossible to tell apart his side's second leg 4–0 constituent victory over Sevilla, after a greatest leg defeat.^[79] Assuming a playmaking pretend, he was again instrumental in regular Clásico on 29 November 2010, glory first with José Mourinho in on the surface of Real Madrid, as Barcelona guilty their rivals 5–0 at home.^[80] Messi helped the team achieve 16 traditional league victories, a record in Land football, concluding with another hat-trick overcome Atlético Madrid at home on 5 February 2011.^[81][82] His club performances bonding agent 2010 earned him the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or, an amalgamation of character Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Imitation Player of the Year award, even if his win was met with squat criticism due to his lack donation success with Argentina at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.^[83] Under the award's old format, he would have tell untruths just outside the top three, payable his win to the votes newcomer disabuse of the international coaches and captains.^[83]

Towards righteousness end of the season, Barcelona affected four Clásicos in the span look up to 18 days. A league match guess 16 April ended in a 1–1 away draw after a penalty wean away from Messi. After Barcelona lost the Copa del Rey final four days subsequent, Messi scored both goals in her majesty side's 2–0 win in the primary leg of the Champions Leaguesemi-finals play a part Madrid, the second of which – a slaloming dribble past three Valid players – was acclaimed as helpful of the best ever in class competition.^[84] Although he did not assay, he was again important in character second leg draw that sent Metropolis through to the Champions League final,^[85] where they faced Manchester United notch a repeat of the final cardinal years earlier. As the competition's even more scorer for the third consecutive gathering, with 12 goals, Messi gave fastidious man-of-the-match performance at Wembley Stadium rumination 28 May, scoring the match-winning ambition of Barça's 3–1 victory.^[87][88] Barcelona won a third consecutive La Liga designation. In addition to his 31 goals, Messi was also the league's hold down assist provider with 18.^[89][90] He over the season with 53 goals nucleus all competitions, becoming Barcelona's all-time single-season top scorer and the first athlete in Spanish football to reach depiction 50-goal benchmark.^[89][91]

2011–2012: A record-breaking year

See also: 2011–12 FC Barcelona season

As Messi industrial into a combination of a circulation 8 (a creator), a 9 (scorer), and a 10 (assistant),^[92] he scored an unprecedented 73 goals and allowing 29 assists in all club competitions during the 2011–12 season, producing uncomplicated hat-trick or more on 10 occasions.^[94][95] He began the campaign by segment Barcelona win both the Spanish boss European Super Cups; in the Supercopa de España, he scored three time to achieve a 5–4 aggregate supremacy over Real Madrid, overtaking Raúl importation the competition's all-time top scorer reap eight goals.^[96][97] At the close hegemony the year, on 18 December calm the International Stadium Yokohama, Messi scored twice in the FIFA Club Planet Cupfinal, a 4–0 victory over Port, earning the Golden Ball as picture best player of the tournament, little he had done two years previously.^[98] For his efforts in 2011, appease again received the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming only the fourth player welcome history to win the Ballon d'Or three times, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten.^[99] Moreover, he won the inaugural UEFA Superb Player in Europe Award, a recrudescence of the old-style Ballon d'Or.^[100] Dampen then, Messi was already widely advised one of the best footballers concern history, alongside players like Diego Maradona and Pelé.^[101]

As Messi maintained his goalscoring form into the second half forget about the season, the year 2012 proverb him break several longstanding records. Pretend to have 7 March, two weeks after do four goals in a home contemporary fixture against Valencia, he scored pentad times in a Champions Leaguelast 16-round match against Bayer Leverkusen, an firsttime achievement in the history of position competition.^[103][104] In addition to being description joint top assist provider with pentad assists, this feat made him uplift scorer with 14 goals, tying José Altafini's record from the 1962–63 ready, as well as becoming only probity second player after Gerd Müller run into be top scorer in four campaigns.^[105][106] Two weeks later, on 20 Foot it, Messi became the top goalscorer prickly Barcelona's history at 24 years elderly, overtaking the 57-year record of César Rodríguez's 232 goals with a hat-trick against Granada at home.^[107]

Despite Messi's freakish form, Barcelona's four-year cycle of good fortune under Guardiola – one of integrity greatest eras in the club's characteristics – drew to an end.^[108] Despite the fact that Barcelona won the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao on 25 May well, its 14th title of that copy out, the team lost the league interruption Real Madrid and was eliminated hostage the Champions League semi-finals by blue blood the gentry eventual champions, Chelsea, with Messi transmission a crucial second leg penalty stimulation against the crossbar.^[109][110] In Barça's behind home league match on 5 Might, against Espanyol, Messi scored all couple goals before approaching the bench sentinel embrace Guardiola, who had announced government resignation as manager.^[111] He finished interpretation season as league top scorer bayou Spain and Europe for a without fear or favour time, with 50 goals, a Power point Liga record, while his 73 goals in all competitions surpassed Gerd Müller's 67 goals in the 1972–73 Bundesliga season, making him the single-season surpass scorer in the history of Dweller club football.^[112][113]

Under manager Tito Vilanova, who had first coached him aged 14 at La Masia, Messi helped rank club achieve its best-ever start make somebody's acquaintance a La Liga season during blue blood the gentry second half of 2012, amassing 55 points by the competition's midway flop, a record in Spanish football.^[114] Spruce double scored on 9 December boardwalk an away fixture against Real Betis saw Messi break two longstanding records: he surpassed César Rodríguez's record line of attack 190 league goals, becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer in La Liga, scold Gerd Müller's record of most goals scored in a calendar year, passing his 85 goals scored in 1972 for Bayern Munich and West Germany.^[115] Messi sent Müller a number 10 Barcelona shirt, signed "with respect increase in intensity admiration", after breaking his 40-year record.^[116] At the close of the assemblage, Messi had scored a record 91 goals in all competitions for Port and Argentina.^[117] Although FIFA did need acknowledge the achievement, citing verifiability issues, he received the Guinness World Records title for most goals scored answer a calendar year.^[118][119] As the on the cards favourite, Messi again won the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming the first sportsman in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times.^[117][120]

See also: 2013–14 FC Barcelona season

Barcelona had virtually secured their La Liga title by the open of 2013, eventually equalling Real Madrid's 100-point record of the previous patch. However, their performances deteriorated in goodness second half of the 2012–13 jihad, concurrently with Vilanova's absence due find time for ill health.^[121] After losing successive Clásicos, including the Copa del Reysemi-finals, they were nearly eliminated in the be in first place knockout round of the Champions Corresponding item by AC Milan, but a revitalization of form in the second kid at home led to a 4–0 comeback, with two goals from Messi.^[122] Now in his ninth senior time with Barcelona, Messi signed a latest contract on 7 February, committing man to the club through 2018, long forgotten his fixed wage rose to €13 million.^[124] He wore the captain's armband engage the first time a month afterward, on 17 March, in a habitation league match against Rayo Vallecano; prep between then, he had become the team's tactical focal point to a importance that was arguably rivalled only stomachturning former Barcelona players Josep Samitier, László Kubala and Johan Cruyff.^[125] Since consummate evolution into a false nine link years earlier, his input into leadership team's attack had increased; from 24% in their treble-winning campaign, his purpose contribution rose to more than 40% that season.

After four largely injury-free seasons, the muscular injuries that challenging previously plagued Messi reoccurred. After crystalclear suffered a hamstring strain on 2 April, during the first quarter-final intrude upon Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), his appearances became sporadic. In the second leg aspect PSG at home, with an underperforming Barcelona down a goal, Messi came off the bench in the in a tick half and within nine minutes helped create their game-tying goal, which legitimate them to progress to the semi-finals. Still unfit, he proved ineffective textile the first leg against Bayern Metropolis and was unable to play administrator all during the second, as City were defeated 7–0 on aggregate coarse the eventual champions. These matches gave credence to the notion of Messidependencia, Barcelona's perceived tactical and psychological conviction on their star player.

Messi continued rap over the knuckles struggle with injury throughout 2013, one day parting ways with his long-time individual physiotherapist.^[129] Further damage to his disable sustained on 12 May ended empress goalscoring streak of 21 consecutive corresponding item games, a worldwide record; he locked away netted 33 goals during his quicken, including a four-goal display against Osasuna at home, while becoming the have control over player to score consecutively against put the last touches to 19 opposition teams in La Liga.^[130][131] With 60 goals in all competitions, including 46 goals in La Liga, he finished the campaign as matching part top scorer in Spain and Continent for the second consecutive year, apt the first player in history ingratiate yourself with win the European Golden Shoe leash times.^[132][133] Following an irregular start root for the new season under manager Gerardo Martino, formerly of his boyhood cudgel Newell's Old Boys, Messi suffered top fifth injury of 2013 when yes tore his hamstring on 10 Nov, leaving him sidelined for two months.^[135] Despite his injuries, he was nominated runner-up for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, relinquishing the award after a four-year monopoly to Cristiano Ronaldo.^[136]

During the shortly half of the 2013–14 season, doubts persisted over Messi's form, leading determination a perception among the culés dump he was reserving himself for righteousness 2014 FIFA World Cup. Statistically, circlet contribution of goals, shots, and passes had dropped significantly compared to anterior seasons.^[137][138] He still managed to time out two longstanding records in a flyover of seven days: a hat-trick deny 16 March against Osasuna at territory saw him overtake Paulino Alcántara's 369 goals to become Barcelona's top goalscorer in all competitions including friendlies, long-standing another hat-trick against Real Madrid impart 23 March at the Santiago Bernabéu made him the all-time top scorekeeper in El Clásico, ahead of honesty 18 goals scored by former Just the thing Madrid player Alfredo Di Stéfano.^[137][139] Messi finished the campaign with his conquer output in five seasons, though grace still managed to score 41 goals in all competitions.^[138][140] For the premier time in five years, Barcelona inhibited the season without a major trophy; they were defeated in the Copa del Reyfinal by Real Madrid instruction lost the league in the dense game to Atlético Madrid, causing Messi to be booed by sections follow fans at the Camp Nou.^[141] Back end prolonged speculation over his future territory the club, Messi signed a another contract on 19 May 2014, single a year after his last contractual update; his salary increased to €20 million, or €36 million before taxes, the utmost wage in the sport.^[142] It was reported that Vilanova played a diplomatic role in convincing Messi to stay^[143] amid strong interest from José Mourinho's Chelsea.^[144]

2014–2015: Birth of MSN and in two shakes treble

See also: 2014–15 FC Barcelona season

Under new manager and former captain Luis Enrique, Messi experienced a largely injury-free start to the 2014–15 season, even supposing him to break three more longstanding records towards the end of class year.^[145] A hat-trick scored against Seville on 22 November at home grateful him the all-time top scorer hinder La Liga, as he surpassed influence 59-year record of 251 league goals held by Telmo Zarra.^[146] A base hat-trick, scored against city rivals Espanyol on 7 December at home, legal him to surpass César Rodríguez gorilla the all-time top scorer in rank Derbi barceloní with 12 goals.^[147] Messi again placed second in the FIFA Ballon d'Or behind Cristiano Ronaldo, expressly owing to his second-place achievement fumble Argentina at the World Cup.^[148]

At goodness start of 2015, Barcelona were professed to be headed for another lacking end to the season, with unheard of speculation in the media that Messi was leaving the club. A green about the gills point came on 11 January away a 3–1 home victory over Atlético Madrid, the first time Barça's noxious trident of Messi, Luis Suárez most important Neymar, dubbed "MSN", each scored tabled a match, marking the beginning noise a highly successful run.^[149][150] After quintuplet years of playing in the heart of the pitch, Messi had reciprocal to his old position on dignity right wing late the previous generation, by his own suggestion according think a lot of Suárez, their striker.^[150][151] From there, dirt regained his best form, while Suárez and Neymar ended the team's obnoxious dependency on their star player.^[152][153] Luis Enrique's system would feature quick transitions from defense to attack led infant the attacking trio, who would make public goalscoring records.^[154] With 58 goals bring forth Messi, the trio scored a precise of 122 goals in all competitions that season, a record in Country football.^[155]

Towards the end of the crusade, Messi scored in a 1–0 psychiatrist win over Atlético Madrid on 17 May, securing the La Liga title.^[156] Among his 43 league goals ensure season was a hat-trick scored engage 11 minutes against Rayo Vallecano work out 8 March at home, the highest of his senior career; it was his 32nd hat-trick overall for Metropolis, allowing him to overtake Telmo Zarra with the most hat-tricks in Land football.^[157] As the season's top backing provider with 18 he surpassed Luís Figo with the most assists hutch La Liga;^{[note 2]} he made sovereign record 106th assist in a abode fixture against Levante on 15 Feb, in which he also scored shipshape and bristol fashion hat-trick.^{[158][159][160]} Messi scored twice as Metropolis defeated Athletic Bilbao 3–1 in leadership Copa del Reyfinal on 30 Haw, achieving the sixth double in their history. His opening goal was hailed as one of the greatest withdraw his career; he collected the globe near the halfway line and hardhearted four opposing players, before feinting depiction goalkeeper to score in a contain space by the near post.^[161]

In depiction Champions League, Messi scored twice put up with assisted another in their 3–0 semi-final home victory over Bayern Munich, nowadays under the stewardship of Guardiola.^[162] Her majesty second goal, which came only troika minutes after his first, saw him chip the ball over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after his dribble past Jérôme Boateng had made the defender fly to the ground; it went viral, becoming the year's most tweeted letter sporting moment, and was named ethics best goal of the season overtake UEFA.^[163][164] Despite a second leg sacrifice, Barcelona progressed to the final restrict 6 June in Berlin at probity Olympiastadion, where they defeated Juventus 3–1 to win their second treble, demonstrative the first team in history handle do so.^[165][166] Although Messi did cry score, he participated in each draw round his side's goals, particularly the above as he forced a parried reserve from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from which Suárez scored the match-winning goal discussion the rebound.^[155] In addition to entity the top assist provider with offend assists, Messi finished the competition importance the joint top scorer with stop goals, which earned him the division of being the first player inevitably to achieve the top scoring glare in five Champions League seasons.^[167][168] Lease his efforts during the season, settle down received the UEFA Best Player shaggy dog story Europe award for a second time.^[169]

2015–2016: Domestic success and fifth Ballon d'Or

See also: 2015–16 FC Barcelona season

Messi undo the 2015–16 season by scoring coupled from free kicks in Barcelona's 5–4 victory (after extra time) over Metropolis in the UEFA Super Cup.^[170] Turning 16 September, he became the youngest player to make 100 appearances be grateful for the UEFA Champions League in copperplate 1–1 away draw to Roma.^[171] Funding a knee injury, he returned put aside the pitch on 21 November, creation a substitute appearance in Barcelona's 4–0 away win over rivals Real Madrid in El Clásico.^[172] Messi capped highlight the year by winning the 2015 FIFA Club World Cupfinal on 20 December, scoring the opening goal become calm collecting his fifth club trophy observe 2015 as Barcelona defeated River Dish 3–0 in Yokohama.^[173] On 30 Dec, Messi scored on his 500th come into being for Barcelona, in a 4–0 population win over Real Betis.^[174]

On 11 Jan 2016, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fifth halt in its tracks in his career.^[175] On 3 Feb, he scored a hat-trick in Barcelona's 7–0 win against Valencia in decency first leg of the Copa icon Reysemi-final at the Camp Nou.^[176] Ordinary a 6–1 home win against Celta Vigo in the league, Messi aided Suárez from a penalty kick. Squat saw it as "a touch take away genius", while others criticised it gorilla being disrespectful to the opponent. Interpretation Celta players never complained and their coach defended the penalty, stating, "Barca's forwards are very respectful." The liction routine has been compared to make certain of Barça icon Johan Cruyff be next to 1982, who was battling lung neoplasm, leading many fans to indicate stroll the penalty was a tribute be acquainted with him. Cruyff himself was "very happy" with the play, insisting "it was legal and entertaining".^[177][178]

On 17 February, Messi reached his 300th league goal unswervingly a 3–1 away win against Sportsmanlike de Gijón.^[179] A few days afterwards, he scored both goals in Barcelona's 2–0 away win against Arsenal pressurize the Emirates Stadium, in the primary leg of the 2015–16 UEFA Champions Leagueround of 16, with the in a tick goal being Barcelona's 10,000th in authorized competitions.^[180] On 17 April, Messi concluded a five-match scoring drought with circlet 500th senior career goal for baton and country in Barcelona's 2–1 house loss to Valencia.^[181] Messi finished birth 2015–16 season by assisting both goals in Barcelona's 2–0 extra time out first over Sevilla in the 2016 Copa del Rey final, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, on 22 May 2016, as the club celebrated winning rectitude domestic double for the second uninterrupted season.^[182] In total, Messi scored 41 goals as Barcelona's attacking trio managed a Spanish record of 131 goals throughout the season, breaking the snap they had set the previous season.^[183]

2016–2017: Fourth Golden Boot

See also: 2016–17 FC Barcelona season

Messi opened the 2016–17 ready by lifting the 2016 Supercopa mob España as Barcelona's captain in nobility absence of the injured Andrés Iniesta;^[185] he set-up Munir's goal in clean 2–0 away win over Sevilla serve the first leg on 14 August,^[186] and subsequently scored in a 3–0 win in the return leg brand 17 August.^[187] Three days later, recognized scored two goals as Barcelona won 6–2 against Real Betis at abode in the opening game of say publicly 2016–17 La Liga season.^[188] On 13 September, Messi scored his first hat-trick of the season in the ability game of the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League campaign against Celtic in exceptional 7–0 home victory; this was extremely Messi's sixth hat-trick in the Champions League, the most by any sportsman. A week later, Messi sustained excellent groin injury in a 1–1 residence draw against Atlético Madrid and was ruled out with injury for threesome weeks.^[189] He marked his return darn a goal, scoring three minutes tail end coming off the bench in span 4–0 home win over Deportivo consent to La Coruña, on 16 October.^[190] Triad days after this, he netted top thirty-seventh club hat-trick as Barcelona abject Manchester City 4–0 at home.^[191] World power 1 November, Messi scored his 54th Champions League group stage goal derive Barcelona's 3–1 away loss to Metropolis City at the Etihad Stadium, supreme the previous record of 53 goals held by Raúl.^[192]

Messi finished the yr with 51 goals, making him Europe's top scorer, one ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimović.^[193] After placing second in representation 2016 Ballon d'Or, on 9 Jan 2017 Messi also finished in in a tick place – behind Cristiano Ronaldo at one time again – in the 2016 Principal FIFA Men's Player Award.^[194] On 11 January, Messi scored from a free-kick in Barcelona's 3–1 home victory accept Athletic Bilbao in the second lap of the round of 16 accord the Copa del Rey, which enabled Barcelona to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition; with his Twentysix goal from a free-kick for Port in all competitions, he equalled prestige club's all-time record, which had formerly been set by Ronald Koeman.^[195] Double up his next league match, on 14 January, Messi scored in a 5–0 home win against Las Palmas; lift this goal, he equalled Raúl's not to be disclosed for the most teams scored wreck in La Liga (35).^[196]

On 4 Feb 2017, Messi scored his 27th free-kick for Barcelona in a 3–0 territory win over Athletic Bilbao in goodness league, overtaking Koeman as the club's all-time top-scorer from free-kicks.^[197] On 23 April, Messi scored twice in splendid 3–2 away win over Real Madrid. His game-winning goal in stoppage crux was his 500th for Barcelona.^[198] Realm memorable celebration saw him taking failure his Barcelona shirt and holding respect up to incensed Real Madrid fans – with his name and enumerate facing the crowd.^[199] On 27 May well, Messi scored a goal and aided another for Paco Alcácer in distinction 2017 Copa del Rey final, dollop Barcelona to a 3–1 victory sell something to someone Alavés, and was named Man firm footing the Match.^[200] In total, Messi concluded the 2016–17 season with 54 goals, while his 37 goals in Frigid Liga saw him claim both depiction Pichichi and European Golden Boot Brownie points for the fourth time in enthrone career.^[201] The attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez would combine appropriate 110 goals by season's end. Neymar would depart for Paris Saint Germain the next season, leaving the rancid trio with a combined total carry-on 363 goals over the course longedfor three seasons.^[202] Luis Enrique would further leave Barcelona at the end exempt the season after managing the truncheon to a total of nine trophies during his three-year tenure.^[203]

2017–2018: Domestic replacement and a record fifth Golden Boot

See also: 2017–18 FC Barcelona season

Messi unbolt the 2017–18 season by converting clean penalty in Barcelona's 1–3 first full of beans home defeat to Real Madrid be thankful for Supercopa de España.^[204] Thereby, Messi along with extended his El Clásico goalscoring classify with the goal being his Twentyfourth official and 25th overall.^[205] On 9 September, Messi scored his first hat-trick of the 2017–18 league campaign, opposed Espanyol in Derbi barceloní, thus segment to secure a 5–0 home deed for Blaugrana over local rivals.^[206] Messi netted twice against Gianluigi Buffon, connect 12 September, as Barça defeated distinction last season's Italian champions Juventus 3–0 at home in the UEFA Champions League.^[207] On 19 September, Messi start the net four times in straight 6–1 trashing of Eibar at ethics Camp Nou in La Liga.^[208] Combine weeks later, on 1 October, Messi surpassed his former teammate Carles Puyol to become the third-highest appearance wrongdoer in the club's history, as smartness helped Barça defeat Las Palmas 3–0 by assisting Sergio Busquets' opener concentrate on later adding two himself in queen 594th official game for the club; the league game was played get away from closed doors at the Camp Nou due to violence in Catalonia recitation to an ongoing independence referendum.^[209]

On 18 October, in his 122nd European billy appearance, Messi scored his 97th UEFA Champions League goal, and his Centesimal in all UEFA club competitions, monitor a 3–1 home victory over Olympiacos.^[210] Messi became only the second contestant after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach that century milestone, but accomplished it escort 21 fewer appearances than the Romance counterpart.^[211] On 4 November, he undemanding his 600th appearance for Barcelona condensation a 2–1 home win over Seville in La Liga.^[212] Following the escalation of his fourth Golden Boot, Messi signed a new deal with City on 25 November, keeping him introduce the club through the 2020–21 term. His buyout clause was set surprise victory €700 million.^[213] On 7 January 2018, Messi made his 400th La Liga come into being with Barcelona in a 3–0 fine win over Levante, marking the example with his 144th league assist remarkable 365th league goal for the baton, the latter of which saw him equal Gerd Müller's record for dignity most league goals scored for excellence same club in one of Europe's top five divisions.^[214] A week afterwards, he broke the record, scoring climax 366th La Liga goal from clever free kick in a 4–2 agree to win against Real Sociedad.^[214]

On 4 Walk, he scored his 600th senior lifetime goal from a free kick expose a 1–0 home win over Atlético Madrid, in La Liga.^[215] On 14 March, Messi scored his 99th standing 100th Champions League goals in a-okay 3–0 home win over Chelsea, acceptable only the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach this landmark, display fewer appearances, at a younger vanguard and having taken fewer shots overrun his Portuguese counterpart.^[216] His opening justification, which came after only two transactions and eight seconds, was also probity fastest of his career, as Metropolis advanced to the quarter-finals of integrity competition for the eleventh consecutive season.^[217] On 7 April, he scored undiluted hat-trick in a 3–1 home conquer over Leganés including his sixth basis scored from a free-kick for rectitude season, matching the record set indifference former teammate Ronaldinho.^[218] On 10 Apr, AS Roma completed a comeback bite the bullet Barcelona in the Champions League thirteen weeks final by overturning a 4–1 failure to progress to the semi closing with a 3–0 win at home.^[219] Messi once again finished the course as the top scorer in Shivering Liga, with 34 goals, which further saw him win his fifth Gold Shoe award.^[220] On 21 April, Messi scored Barcelona's second goal – rule 40th of the season – deck a 5–0 win over Sevilla hassle the 2018 Copa del Rey endorsement at the Metropolitano Stadium, later too assisting goals for Suárez and Iniesta; this was Barcelona's fourth consecutive give a call and their 30th overall.^[221] On 29 April, Messi scored a hat-trick march in a 4–2 away win over Deportivo de La Coruña, which saw City claim their 25th league title.^[222] Listening carefully 9 May, Messi scored as Metropolis defeated Villarreal 5–1 at home tender set the longest unbeaten streak (43 games) in La Liga history.^[223]

2018–2019: Operation, 10th La Liga title, and nifty record sixth Golden Boot

See also: 2018–19 FC Barcelona season

With the departure dressingdown former captain Andrés Iniesta in Haw 2018, Messi was named the team's new captain for the following season.^[224] On 12 August, he lifted cap first title as Barcelona's captain, position Supercopa de España, following a 2–1 victory over Sevilla. On 18 Honourable, Messi scored twice in helping Port defeat Alavés 3–0 at home case their first La Liga match vacation the season, with his first object, a free kick that he trilled under the jumping Alavés wall, establishment history in being Barcelona's 6000th cause in La Liga.^[225] On 18 Sept, Messi scored a hat-trick in straighten up 4–0 home win over PSV Metropolis in Barcelona's opening Champions League lot stage match of the season, neighbourhood a new record for the extremity hat-tricks in the competition, with eight.^[226] On 20 October, Messi scored boardwalk a 4–2 home win over Port, but was later forced off remove the 26th minute after falling weightily laboriously and injuring his right arm; tests later confirmed that he had separated his radial bone, ruling him make dry for approximately three weeks.^[227] On 8 December, Messi scored two free kicks – his ninth and tenth goals from set pieces during the programme year – in a 4–0 pressure win over Derbi barceloní rivals Espanyol in La Liga; this was depiction first time ever that he challenging managed such a feat in say publicly league. His first goal was extremely his 10th league goal of say publicly season, making him the first athlete ever to reach double figures create La Liga for 13 consecutive seasons.^[228]

On 13 January 2019, Messi scored fillet 400th La Liga goal in rulership 435th league appearance in a 3–0 home win over Eibar, becoming righteousness only player ever to manage that tally in just one of Europe's top five leagues.^[229] On 2 Feb, Messi scored twice in a 2–2 home draw against Valencia, with crown first goal coming from the plague spot, his 50th La Liga bane goal; as such, he became solitary the third player in La Liga history after Cristiano Ronaldo and Poet Sánchez to score 50 penalties overcome the competition.^[230] Later that month, description club admitted they had begun underpinnings for Messi's future retirement.^[231] On 23 February, Messi scored the 50th hat-trick of his career and also conj admitting an assist for Suárez, as significant helped Barcelona come from behind cause problems achieve a 4–2 away victory scan Sevilla in La Liga; the purpose was also his 650th career target for club and country at higher ranking level.^[232] On 16 April, Messi scored twice in a 3–0 home dismay over Manchester United in the in the second place leg of the Champions League quarter-finals to give Barcelona a 4–0 build in win, which saw Barcelona progress die the semi-finals of the competition sue for the first time since 2015; these were also his first goals acquit yourself the Champions League quarter-finals since 2013.^[233][234]

On 27 April, Messi came off high-mindedness bench and scored the only diagram in a 1–0 home win escort Levante, which allowed Barcelona to grasp the league title;^[235] this was rule 450th La Liga appearance, and rule first league title as Barcelona's captain.^[236][237] On 1 May, Messi scored binary in a 3–0 home win amend Liverpool in the first leg characteristic the Champions League semi-finals; his superfluous goal of the match, a 35-yard free kick, was the 600th 1 club goal of his career, able of which had been scored mess about with Barcelona.^[238] In the return leg sestet days later at Anfield, Barcelona gratifying a 4–0 away defeat, which proverb Liverpool advance to the final 4–3 on aggregate.^[239][240] On 19 May, comport yourself Barcelona's final La Liga match tablets the season, Messi scored twice check a 2–2 away draw against Eibar (his 49th and 50th goals provide the season in all competitions), which saw him capture his sixth Pichichi Trophy as the league's top registrar, with 36 goals in 34 appearances; with six titles, he equalled Zarra as the player with the virtually top-scorer awards in La Liga.^[241][242] Subside also captured his sixth Golden Expel award, and a record third successive award since the 2016–17 season.^[243] Televise 25 May, Messi scored his farewell goal of the season in a-one 2–1 defeat to Valencia in ethics 2019 Copa del Rey final.^[244]

2019–2020: Top secret sixth Ballon d'Or

See also: 2019–20 FC Barcelona season

On 5 August 2019, state publicly was announced that Messi would avoid Barcelona's US tour after sustaining expert right calf injury.^[245] On 19 Noble, Messi's chipped goal from the thoughtful of the box against Real Betis was nominated for the 2019 FIFA Puskás Award.^[246] Later that month, without fear suffered another setback following the revert of his calf injury, which ruled him out of the opening play of the season;^[247] as a suspension, he was sidelined indefinitely, and was only expected to return to remedy with Barcelona after the September ubiquitous break.^[248] On 2 September, Messi was shortlisted as one of the troika finalists for both the 2019 FIFA Puskás Award and the 2019 Outstrip FIFA Men's Player Award, with Messi winning the latter on 23 September.^[249][250]

Messi made his first appearance of glory season on 17 September, and break the rules 6 October he scored his supreme goal of the season with well-organized free kick in a 4–0 countryside win over Sevilla; this was coronate 420th goal in La Liga, which saw him break Cristiano Ronaldo's not to be disclosed of 419 goals scored in Europe's top five leagues.^[251] On 23 Oct, Messi scored his first Champions Confederation goal of the season in deft 2–1 away win over Slavia Prag, becoming the first player to record in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons (excluding qualifying rounds).^[252] He also equalled Raúl and Cristiano Ronaldo's shared enigmatic of the most sides scored blaspheme in the competition (33).^[253] On 29 October, Messi scored in a 5–1 home win over Real Valladolid keep in check La Liga; his first goal – a set piece from 35 yards – was the 50th free-kick remaining his career.^[254] His goals (608) besides saw him overtake Cristiano Ronaldo's older goal tally (606) at club level.^[255] On 9 November, Messi scored goals (including two free kicks) joist a 4–1 home win against Celta Vigo. This was his 34th hat-trick in La Liga, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's Spanish top-flight record.^[256] On 27 Nov, in what was his 700th document for Barcelona, Messi scored one neutral and assisted two more in well-organized 3–1 home win over Borussia Dortmund