At 36 years old, the renowned Argentine footballer is commonly regarded as the most exceptional player in the history of football.
In his remarkable career, Lionel Messi has scored a staggering 848 goals. His scoring record since making his debut as a teenager for Barcelona is simply outstanding. He managed to score an incredible 672 times for Barcelona, then added 32 for Paris Saint-Germain and has 11 in 14 for Inter Miami. With an additional 106 goals for the Argentina senior team, plus 16 for the Under-20s and U23s combined, Messi’s highlight reels include strikes in significant matches such as Champions League and World Cup finals. He has also been nominated for the Puskas Award seven times, given to the best goal of the year across all football. Messi revealed that his most memorable goal was his superb solo effort against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2011 Champions League semi-final. He said that while he does not go much for goals and what they mean, the most significant ones are always the most important.
In the Bernabeu stadium, Messi, who was then a superstar of Barcelona, picked up the ball just a few yards inside the Real Madrid half. He passed it back to Sergio Busquets and then moved past two midfielders, Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diara, with ease. His incredible dribbling skills left Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo behind before he finished the ball with his right foot, beating Iker Casillas and scoring a goal in the bottom corner. Messi scored both goals that night, leading Barcelona to a 2-0 lead in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. A 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Nou Camp was enough for Pep Guardiola’s team to reach the final. Messi scored in the 2009 final and again at Wembley in 2011 when Barcelona beat Manchester United 3-1. Last year, he scored twice in the World Cup final, once from the penalty spot and then from close range in extra time, helping his team win the championship.
As the Real Madrid defenders tried to stop him, Messi skillfully maneuvered the ball past them and then made a precise shot into the corner of the net. This impressive play was captured in a photo by Getty Images.
Barcelona’s victory was aided by a goal that pushed them towards the 2011 Champions League final.
After guiding Argentina to victory in the World Cup, Messi was awarded his eighth Ballon d’Or. He received this illustrious award with great pride and humility, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The trophy symbolizes his dedication, hard work, and talent that have helped him achieve this remarkable feat.