Lionel Messi’s Most Iconic Goals Throughout His Career and All the Records He Has Broken

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has mesmerized the world with his extraordinary skills, technical abilities, and his unrelenting drive to win. Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has not only scored some of the most iconic goals in football history but also shattered numerous records, solidifying his place in the pantheon of football legends. In this article, we will dive into Messi’s most memorable goals, analyzing the context and significance of each, while also exploring the countless records he has broken during his career.

The Early Days: Messi’s Breakthrough Goals

1. First Goal for Barcelona (2005)

Messi’s first goal for Barcelona came on May 1, 2005, against Albacete. At just 17 years old, Messi was already showing signs of the brilliance that would later define his career. Assisted by his mentor Ronaldinho, Messi calmly lobbed the goalkeeper to score his first professional goal, signaling the beginning of an era.

• Significance: This goal marked the start of what would become a legendary career at Barcelona, where Messi would go on to become the club’s all-time leading scorer.

2. The Wonder Goal Against Getafe (2007)

One of Messi’s most iconic goals came during a Copa del Rey match against Getafe in 2007. Dribbling from inside his own half, Messi weaved past five Getafe defenders and slotted the ball into the net with precision. The goal drew immediate comparisons to Diego Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century” from the 1986 World Cup.

• Significance: This goal showcased Messi’s extraordinary dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score goals single-handedly, cementing his reputation as the heir to Maradona.

Peak Barcelona Years: Goals That Defined an Era

3. Champions League Final Against Manchester United (2009)

In the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, Messi scored a crucial header against Manchester United, helping Barcelona secure a 2-0 victory and the European title. Despite being one of the shortest players on the pitch, Messi leaped high to head the ball past Edwin van der Sar, showing his versatility and knack for delivering in high-pressure situations.

• Significance: This goal was vital in securing Barcelona’s third Champions League trophy and cemented Messi’s status as one of the best players in the world.

4. Hat-Trick Against Real Madrid (El Clasico 2014)

In one of the most intense El Clasico matches in recent history, Messi scored a hat-trick to lead Barcelona to a 4-3 victory over their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. His third goal, a calmly taken penalty, secured the win in the dying moments of the match.

• Significance: This performance further established Messi’s dominance in El Clasico and made him the all-time top scorer in the fixture’s history.

5. Free-Kick Mastery Against Liverpool (2019)

In the 2019 Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, Messi scored a breathtaking free-kick from 35 yards out, curling the ball into the top corner and leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Despite Barcelona’s eventual elimination, this goal stood out as a testament to Messi’s unrivaled skill in dead-ball situations.

• Significance: Messi’s free-kick against Liverpool is often regarded as one of the greatest free-kicks in Champions League history.

The International Stage: Messi’s Impact with Argentina

6. Copa America Final Goal (2021)

Although Messi did not score in the 2021 Copa America final, his overall contribution to Argentina’s victory was undeniable. Messi was instrumental throughout the tournament, scoring four goals and providing five assists. His leadership and determination led Argentina to their first major international trophy in 28 years.

• Significance: Winning the Copa America was a defining moment in Messi’s international career, silencing critics who claimed he had underachieved with the national team.

Record-Breaking Milestones

7. Barcelona’s All-Time Leading Scorer

In 2014, Messi became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record of 369 goals held by Paulino Alcántara. Messi’s ability to consistently score goals over multiple seasons at the highest level is one of the reasons why he is considered the greatest player in the club’s history.

• Record: Messi finished his Barcelona career with an astonishing 672 goals in 778 appearances, a record unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

8. La Liga’s All-Time Top Scorer

Messi became La Liga’s all-time top scorer in 2014, surpassing Telmo Zarra’s 251 goals. Messi’s dominance in Spain’s top division saw him score over 450 goals in La Liga, making him the undisputed king of Spanish football.

• Record: As of his departure from La Liga in 2021, Messi had scored 474 goals in the competition.

9. Most Goals in a Calendar Year (2012)

In 2012, Messi broke Gerd Müller’s 40-year-old record for the most goals in a calendar year, scoring an unbelievable 91 goals. His ability to find the back of the net week after week, across both domestic and international competitions, was unmatched.

• Record: Messi’s 91 goals in 2012 remain the highest number ever scored by a player in a single year.

10. Most Ballon d’Or Wins

Lionel Messi has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award a record seven times (as of 2021). The award, given to the world’s best player, reflects Messi’s sustained excellence over the years and his ability to remain at the top of world football.

• Record: Messi’s seven Ballon d’Or wins are the most by any player in history, further solidifying his claim as the greatest of all time.

Messi’s Longevity and Adaptability

One of the most remarkable aspects of Messi’s career is his ability to adapt and evolve his playing style as he ages. While he was known for his electrifying pace and dribbling in his younger years, Messi has transitioned into a more playmaking role in recent seasons. His vision, passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game have allowed him to remain a key player for both Barcelona and the Argentina national team.

Assists and Playmaking

In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, Messi is also one of the greatest playmakers in football history. He has regularly finished seasons with the highest number of assists in La Liga and the Champions League, showcasing his ability to create chances for his teammates.

• Assist Records: Messi holds the record for the most assists in La Liga (192) and has consistently been among the top creators in Europe.

Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented

Lionel Messi’s career is filled with iconic moments, from dazzling solo goals to match-winning performances in finals. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, combined with his numerous records and accolades, makes him a true legend of the game. Whether it’s his dribbling, his finishing, or his leadership, Messi’s contributions to football are unparalleled.

As Messi continues his career with Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team, fans worldwide remain in awe of his ability to create magic on the pitch. His legacy is already secured, but with Messi, there’s always the possibility of yet another iconic goal or record-breaking achievement just around the corner.