Lionel Messi, often hailed as the ‘greatest footballer of all time,’ celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday. Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Messi has left an indelible mark on football with a series of incredible records and achievements. His illustrious career, marked by unparalleled consistency and breathtaking performances, has solidified his place as a true football legend. As he celebrates his 37th birthday, let us take a look at his records.
Most number of Ballon d’Or won
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, with an unprecedented eight titles. He has won the coveted Golden Ball in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo is behind him in second, having won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten each won it three times.
Most goals in a calendar year
The year 2012 stands out as a remarkable chapter in Messi’s career. During his time with Barcelona, Messi shattered the Guinness World Record for most goals in a calendar year, scoring an astounding 91 goals. Out of these, 79 were for his club. This feat remains unmatched, with no current player even coming close to the 75-goal mark in a single year, underscoring Messi’s extraordinary prowess in front of goal.
Most official goals for a single club
Messi’s two-decade-long tenure at Barcelona saw him score a staggering 672 official goals, making him the player with the most goals for a single club. Additionally, he provided 268 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Despite his departure to PSG due to Barcelona’s financial troubles, Messi’s record of 672 goals and 268 assists at a single club remains a testament to his legendary status.
Consistency in goal-scoring: 40+ goals in 12 consecutive seasons
One of the hallmarks of Messi’s greatness is his remarkable consistency. Over his 18-year career, Messi has scored 40 or more goals in 12 consecutive seasons. This number extends to 13 seasons when considering 30 or more goals. His ability to perform at the highest level year after year sets him apart as one of football’s all-time greats.
International records: Most caps and top goalscorer for Argentina
On the international stage, Messi’s impact has been equally significant. With 183 caps, he holds the record for the most appearances for Argentina. He is also the country’s all-time top goalscorer, having netted 108 goals.
In 2021, Messi achieved long-awaited international success when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium. This victory ended Messi’s quest for his first major international title.
However, the pinnacle of Messi’s career came in 2022 when Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi scored twice in the final against France, leading his team to a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout. After a 36-year wait, Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy, with Messi’s performance etching his name in history as the greatest of all time.
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