Lionel Andrés Messi, born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. Over a 21-year senior career, he has shattered records, redefined excellence, and inspired generations. From a shy 13-year-old arriving at FC Barcelona to a global icon lifting the World Cup, Messi’s journey is a masterclass in talent, perseverance, and humility.
Below is a comprehensive timeline of his career highlights — club, international, and individual — updated through Argentina’s 4-1 victory over Angola on November 14, 2025.
Table of Contents
Early Career & Breakthrough (2000–2005)
- 2000: Joins FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 13 after the club agrees to cover his growth hormone treatment.
- 2003: Debuts for Barcelona’s first team at 16 years, 4 months, and 23 days in a friendly vs. Porto.
- May 1, 2005: Scores his first official goal — a lobbed chip vs. Albacete — becoming the youngest scorer in La Liga history at the time (17 years, 10 months).
- 2004–05: Wins La Liga with Barcelona under Frank Rijkaard.
The Golden Era at Barcelona (2005–2021)
Messi spent 17 seasons with Barcelona, winning 35 trophies — the most by any player at a single club.
Team Honors
- 10 La Liga titles: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21 (captain)
- 7 Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21
- 4 UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
- 3 FIFA Club World Cups: 2009, 2011, 2015
- 8 Spanish Super Cups
Individual Dominance
- 8 Ballon d’Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
- 6 European Golden Shoes: Record holder (2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19)
- 474 La Liga goals — all-time record
- 672 total goals for Barcelona — club record
- Most goals in a calendar year: 91 in 2012 (Guinness World Record)
- Fastest to 300 La Liga goals (334 games)
- Only player to score 40+ club goals in 10 consecutive seasons (2009–2019)
Iconic Moments
- April 18, 2007: Scores “Maradona-like” solo goal vs. Getafe in Copa del Rey semifinal.
- May 2, 2009: Headers winning goal in Champions League semifinal vs. Chelsea.
- April 6, 2010: Scores 4 goals vs. Arsenal in UCL quarterfinal.
- April 27, 2011: Solo goal vs. Real Madrid in UCL semifinal at Bernabéu.
- March 7, 2012: Scores 5 goals in a single UCL match vs. Bayer Leverkusen (7–1) — first in competition history.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
After Barcelona’s financial collapse forced his departure, Messi joined PSG on a free transfer.
- 2 Ligue 1 titles: 2021–22, 2022–23
- 1 Trophée des Champions: 2022
- 32 goals, 35 assists in 75 appearances
- Wins 2021 Ballon d’Or — his 7th — despite mixed club form.
- Reaches 2022 Champions League Round of 16, eliminated by Real Madrid.
Inter Miami CF (2023–Present)
Messi stunned the world by choosing MLS over Saudi Arabia and a Barcelona return.
- 2023 Leagues Cup: Wins first trophy in USA (10 goals, 5 assists in 7 games) — named MVP
- 2024 Supporters’ Shield: Leads Miami to best regular-season record
- 2024 MLS All-Star MVP
- 2025 (ongoing): 20+ goals in MLS season; Miami in playoff contention
- First MLS hat-trick: October 2024 vs. New England Revolution
- Fastest to 30 goal contributions in MLS history (2024 season)
Argentina National Team (2005–Present)
Messi debuted at 18 and has since become Argentina’s all-time appearance (194 caps) and goalscoring leader (116 goals).
Major International Honors
- 2021 Copa América: Ends 28-year drought; named Best Player & top scorer (4 goals)
- 2022 Finalissima: 3–0 win over Italy (European champions); Messi scores twice
- 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar):
- Captains Argentina to 3rd World Cup title
- 7 goals, 3 assists — Golden Ball winner
- Scores in every knockout round, including final vs. France (2 goals + penalty in shootout)
- 2024 Copa América: Wins back-to-back titles; equals record with 3 Copas
Youth Success
- 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup: Golden Ball & Golden Boot (6 goals)
- 2008 Beijing Olympics: Gold medal
Milestone Goals
- Goal #800: vs. Panama, March 2023
- Goal #900: vs. Canada, July 2024
- Goal #1000: vs. Curaçao, March 2023
- Goal #109: vs. Bolivia, October 2023 — surpasses Ali Daei as men’s international top scorer
- Goal #116: vs. Angola, November 14, 2025 — free-kick deflection in 4-1 win
Individual Records & Accolades
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or | 8 (most ever) |
| FIFA Best Men’s Player | 3 (2019, 2022, 2023) |
| Goals in official matches | 842 (club + country) |
| Assists (all comps) | 379+ |
| Hat-tricks | 57 (club) + 9 (international) = 66 |
| Free-kick goals | 65 (club + country) |
| Laureus World Sportsman of the Year | 2020, 2023 |
| Time 100 Most Influential People | 2011, 2012, 2023 |
Legacy & Impact
- First player to win Ballon d’Or at three different clubs (Barcelona, PSG, Argentina)
- Only player with 20+ goals and 20+ assists in a single season (2019–20)
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010
- Founded Leo Messi Foundation (2007) — supports education and healthcare for vulnerable children
- Global brand: Adidas lifetime deal (2017), $1B+ in career earnings
The Angola Masterclass (November 14, 2025)
In Argentina’s final match of 2025, Messi delivered a vintage performance in Luanda:
- 2 goals (deflected free-kick, stoppage-time assist tap-in)
- 3 assists (to Lautaro Martínez x2, Nico Paz)
- Named Man of the Match
- Now 116 international goals — 16 ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo
What’s Next?
At 38, Messi shows no signs of slowing:
- Leading Inter Miami in 2025 MLS playoffs
- Preparing for 2026 FIFA World Cup defense (co-hosted by USA, Mexico, Canada)
- Contract with Miami runs through 2025, with option for 2026
- Aims to become first player to score at 5 World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
“I don’t compare myself to anyone. I just want to keep enjoying football.”
— Lionel Messi, post-Angola press conference, November 14, 2025
From the streets of Rosario to the pinnacle of world football, Messi’s career is not just a collection of trophies and records — it’s a story of genius made human. And the final chapter? It’s still being written.
Read More: Argentina’s Triumphant Finale: A 4-1 Masterclass Over Angola in Luanda
