Lionel Messi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Messi" redirects here. For the biopic, see Messi (film).

This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Messi and the second
or maternal family name is Cuccittini.

Lionel Messi

Messi playing for Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.

Personal information
Full name

Lionel Andrs Messi Cuccittini[1]

Date of birth

24 June 1987 (age 27)

Place of birth

Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Height

1.69 m (5 ft 6 12 in)[2]

Playing position

Forward

Club information
Current team

Barcelona

Number

10

Youth career
19952000

Newell's Old Boys

20002003

Barcelona

Senior career*
Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

20032004

Barcelona C

10

(5)

20042005

Barcelona B

22

(6)

2004

Barcelona

301

(269)

National team
20042005

Argentina U20

18

(14)

20072008

Argentina U23

(2)

2005

Argentina

96

(45)

Honours[show]
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league
only and correct as of 21 February 2015.

Appearances (Goals).
National team caps and goals correct as of 12 November 2014

Lionel Andrs "Leo" Messi Cuccittini (Spanish pronunciation: [ljonel andes mesi] ( listen); born 24
June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club FC
Barcelona and is the captain for the Argentina national team.
By the age of 21, Messi had received Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations.
The following year, in 2009, he won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
He followed this up by winning the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or in2010, and then again
in 2011 and 2012. He also won the 201011 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. At the age of 24,
Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer in all official club competitions. In September 2014 he
scored his 400th senior career goal for club and country aged just 27. In November 2014, Messi
became the all-time top scorer in La Liga, and the all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA
Champions League.
Often ranked as the best player in the world, alongside rival Cristiano Ronaldo, and rated by some in
the sport as the greatest of all time,[3][4][5][6][7][8] Messi is the first football player in history to win
four FIFA/Ballons d'Or, all of which he won consecutively, and the first to win three European Golden
Shoe awards. With Barcelona, Messi has won six La Ligas, two Copas del Rey, six Supercopas de
Espaa, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.
Messi is the only player to top-score in four consecutive Champions League seasons, and also holds
the record for the most hat-tricks scored in the competition with five. In March 2012 he made
Champions League history by becoming the first player to score five goals in one match. In the
201112 season, Messi set the European record for most goals scored in a season with 73 goals,
set the goalscoring record in a single La Liga season with 50 goals, and became the first player ever
to score and assist in six different official competitions in one season. In February 2013 he scored

his 300th Barcelona goal. On 30 March 2013, Messi scored in his 19th consecutive La Liga game,
becoming the first footballer in history to net in consecutive matches against every team in a
professional football league. He extended his record scoring streak to 21 consecutive league
matches. In March 2014, with a hat-trick against Real Madrid, Messi became the player with the
most goals and most hat-tricks in the history of El Clsico. In October 2014, Messi, aged 27, became
the youngest player to score 250 goals in La Liga. In November 2014, Messi scored a hattrickagainst Sevilla to reach 253 La Liga goals, becoming the all-time top scorer in La Liga. Later that
month, he scored his 74th Champions League goal to become its all-time leading scorer.
Messi helped Argentina win the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, finishing as both the best player and the
top scorer (with six goals). In2006, he became the youngest Argentine to play and score in the FIFA
World Cup, and won a runners-up medal at the Copa Amrica in 2007, in which he was named
young player of the tournament. In 2008, he won an Olympic Gold Medal with theArgentina Olympic
football team. At the 2014 World Cup, he led Argentina to the final, winning four consecutive Man of
the Match awards in the process, and received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the
tournament. In 2013, SportsPro rated him the second-most marketable athlete in the world.[9] His
playing style and stature have drawn comparisons to compatriot Diego Maradona, who himself
declared Messi his "successor".[10]
Contents
[hide]

1 Early life

2 Barcelona
o

2.1 200004 junior years

2.2 200506 season

2.3 200607 season

2.4 200708 season

2.5 200809 season

2.6 200910 season

2.7 201011 season

2.8 201112 season

2.9 201213 season

2.10 201314 season

2.11 201415 season

3 International career
o

3.1 2006 World Cup

3.2 2007 Copa Amrica

3.3 2008 Summer Olympics

3.4 2010 World Cup qualification

3.5 2010 World Cup

3.6 2011 Copa Amrica

3.7 2014 World Cup qualification

3.8 2014 World Cup

4 Style of play
4.1 Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo

5 Outside football
o

5.1 Personal life

5.2 Charity

5.3 Wealth

5.3.1 Salary

5.3.2 Sponsorships

5.3.3 Tax evasion

5.4 Media

6 Career statistics
o

6.1 Club

6.2 International

6.2.1 International appearances

6.2.2 International goals

7 Honours

7.1 Club

7.2 International

7.3 Individual

7.4 Records

7.4.1 World

7.4.2 Europe

7.4.3 Argentina

7.4.4 Spain

7.4.5 Barcelona

8 See also

9 Notes

10 References

11 External links

Early life
Messi was born on 24 June 1987[2] in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, to parents Jorge Horcio Messi, a
factory steel worker, and Celia Mara Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner.[11][12][13][14] His paternal greatgrandfather, Angelo Messi originates from the Italian city of Ancona and emigrated to Argentina in
1883.[15][16] He has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matas, and a sister, Mara Sol. [17] At the age of
five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge. [18] In 1995,
Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who were based in his home city Rosario.[18] He became part of
a local youth team that lost only one match in the next four years and became locally known as "The
Machine of '87", the year of their birth.[19]
At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.[20] Local team River
Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but were not willing to pay for treatment for his condition,
which cost $900 a month.[14] Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, was made aware
of his talent as Messi had relatives in Lleida in westernCatalonia, and Messi and his father were able
to arrange a trial with the team.[14] Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered Messi a contract
written on a paper napkin.[21][22]Barcelona offered to pay Messi's medical bills on the condition that he
moved to Spain. Messi and his father duly moved to Barcelona, where Messi enrolled in the club's
youth academy.[18][22]

Barcelona
200004 junior years
Messi played in FC Barcelona's junior Infantil B and Cadete B & A teams from 2000 to 2003 (scoring
37 goals in 30 matches in Cadete A). He was nearly released from the club in 2003 because of
financial constraints, but his youth coaches convinced management to keep him (Cesc
Fbregas was released during this purge).[23] Season 200304 saw him on a record five different

teams:[24] He started one match in Juvenil B (one goal) and got promoted to Juvenil A (14 matches,
21 goals). Later, he debuted for the FC Barcelona C team (Tercera Divisin) on 29 November 2003
and for FC Barcelona B (Segunda Divisin B) on 6 March 2004. He played for both teams during the
season (10 matches, five goals and five matches, zero goals, respectively). [25][26][27] Even before these
two debuts, Messi made his official debut for the first-team on 16 October 2004, in afriendly
match against Porto.[28][29][30]
Less than a year after his start, Frank Rijkaard gave him his league debut against RCD Espanyol on
16 October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days), becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for
Barcelona and youngest club player to play in La Liga, which would be broken by Bojan Krki in
September 2007. When he scored his first senior goal for the club against Albacete Balompi on 1
May 2005, Messi was 17 years, ten months and seven days old, becoming the youngest to ever
score in a La Liga game for Barcelona[31] until the record was broken by Bojan Krki in 2007, scoring
from a Messi assist.[32] Messi said about his ex-coach Rijkaard: "I'll never forget the fact that he
launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only 16 or 17." [33] During the season,
Messi played also in Barcelona B (Segunda Divisin B) scoring six goals in 17 matches.

200506 season
I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentinian football and his name is Messi.

Diego Maradona on the 18-year-old Messi, February 2006.[34]

On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's
contract; this time it was improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014.
[18]
Messi obtained Spanishcitizenship on 26 September 2005[35] and was finally able to make his
debut in the season's Spanish First Division. Messi's first home outing in the Champions
League came on 27 September against Italian clubUdinese.[29] Fans at Barcelona's stadium,
the Camp Nou, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his substitution, as his composure on the ball
and passing combinations with Ronaldinho had paid dividends for Barcelona.[36]
Messi netted six goals in 17 league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six.
His season ended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his
right thigh during the second leg of the second round Champions League tie against Chelsea.
[37]
Rijkaard's Barcelona ended the season as champions of Spain and Europe. [38][39]

200607 season

Messi in a Champions Leaguegroup stage match against Rangers on 7 November 2007

In the 200607 season, Messi established himself as a regular first team player, scoring 14 times in
26 matches.[40] On 12 November, in the game against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered a
broken metatarsal, ruling him out for three months.[41][42] On 10 March, El Clsico saw Messi in top
form, scoring a hat-trick to earn 10-man Barcelona a 33 draw, equalising three times, with the final
equaliser coming in injury time.[43] In doing so he became the first player since Ivn Zamorano (for
Real Madrid in the 199495 season) to score a hat-trick in El Clsico.[44] Messi is also the youngest

player ever to have scored in this fixture. Towards the end of the season he began finding the net
more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games. [45]

Messi shortly before scoring a goal against Getafe in a semi-finals match of the Copa del Rey on 18 April 2007

Regularly compared to Maradona, Messi proved the comparison was not all hype by nearly
replicating the former player's most famous goals in the space of the single season. [46] On 18 April
2007, he scored two goals during a 200607 Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe CF, one of
which was very similar to Maradona's famous goal against England at the 1986 World
Cup in Mexico, known as the Goal of the Century.[47] The world's sports press drew comparisons with
Maradona, and the Spanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona". [48] He ran about the same distance,
62 metres (203 ft), beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a
very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years
before.[46] In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate Deco said: "It was the best goal I
have ever seen in my life."[49] Against RCD Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably
similar to Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi
launched himself at the ball and connected with his hand to guide the ball past the
goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.[50] Despite protests by Espanyol players and replays showing it was
clear handball, the goal stood.[50] During his time at FC Barcelona, manager Frank Rijkaard decided
to move Messi from the left flank onto the right wing, initially against the player's wishes, allowing
him to cut into the centre of the pitch and shoot or cross with his left foot. [51]

200708 season

Messi takes Barcelona to 20 against Sevilla in La Ligamatch on 22 September 2007.

Messi was nominated for a FIFPro World XI Player Award under the category of Forward.[52] A poll
conducted in the online edition of the Spanish newspaper Marca had him as the best player in the
world with 77 percent of the vote.[53] Columnists from Barcelona-based newspapers El Mundo
Deportivo and Sport stated that the Ballon d'Or should be given to Messi, a view supported by Franz
Beckenbauer.[54] Football personalities such as Francesco Totti have declared that they consider
Messi to be one of the current best footballers in the world.[55] Messi finished third in the 2007 Ballon
d'Or, behind Kak and Cristiano Ronaldo, and finished second in the 2007 FIFA World Player of the

Year award, once again behind Kak. He also came in third in the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker
Award, once again behind Kak and Andrea Pirlo.[56]
On 27 February, Messi played in his 100th official match for Barcelona against Valencia CF [57] but
only a few days later he was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered
a muscle tear in his left thigh during a Champions League match against Celtic FC. It was the fourth
time in three seasons that Messi suffered this type of injury.[58] Messi scored 6 goals and provided 1
assist during the Champions League that season, as Barcelona were knocked out in the semi-finals,
to the eventual winners Manchester United. When the season was over Messi had managed to
score 16 goals and assisted 13 times in all competitions.

200809 season
Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his number 10 jersey. During the season
he placed second in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year award with 678 points and third in the
2008 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker Award for the second consecutive year,[59] also placing second
in the 2008 Ballon d'Or behind the winner Cristiano Ronaldo, once again.

Messi in action against Manchester United at the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final

Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa del Rey tie against Atltico Madrid which Barcelona
won 31.[60] Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as a second-half
substitute to help Barcelona defeat Racing Santander 12 after being 10 down. The second of the
two strikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal. [61] On 8 April 2009, he scored twice against Bayern
Munichin the Champions League, setting a personal record of eight goals in the competition. [62]
As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all
competitions) to cap a 62 win overrivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabu[63] in what was
Real's heaviest defeat since 1930. He won his first Copa del Rey on 13 May, scoring one goal and
assisting another two, in a 41 victory over Athletic Bilbao, finishing the competition with 6 goals and
2 assists.[64][65]He helped his team win the double by winning La Liga, scoring league 23 goals and
providing 11 assists that season.[66] On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the Champions League by
scoring a second goal in the final during the 70th minute, giving Barcelona a two goal lead; he also
became the top scorer in the Champions League, the youngest in the tournament's history, with nine
goals, also setting up five more in the competition that season. [67][68] Messi also won the UEFA Club
Forward of the Year and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year rounding off a spectacular year in
Europe.[69] Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League in one season;
[70]
the first time a Spanish club had ever won the treble.[71] The all-star attacking trio of Messi (38
goals), Samuel Eto'o (36 goals) and Thierry Henry (26 goals) scored exactly 100 goals between
them in all competitions during the club's historic treble year.[72]

200910 season
Once he's on a run with the ball he's unstoppable[...] He's [like] a PlayStation. He can take advantage of every
mistake we make.


Arsenal manager Arsne Wenger, after Barcelona defeated Arsenal 41, 6 April 2010[73]

After winning the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola asserted that Messi
was probably the best player he had ever seen.[74] This would also be the season in which Guardiola
would first move Messi from the position of right winger into his now iconic "false-9" role in the centre
of the front line at Barcelona.[75] On 18 September, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona,
running until 2016 and with a buy-out clause of 250 million included, making Messi, then along
with Zlatan Ibrahimovi, the highest paid players in La Liga, with earnings of around 9.5 million
yearly.[76][77]

Messi playing against Atlante in the semi-finals of the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup on 16 December 2009

Messi was named winner of the 2009 Ballon d'Or on 1 December 2009, beating runner-up Cristiano
Ronaldo by largest ever margin of 473 to 233.[78][79][80] He also placed second in the 2009 IFFHS
World's Best Playmaker Award,[81] behind team mate Xavi.
On 19 December, Messi scored the winner in the final of the 2009 Club World
Cup against Estudiantes in Abu Dhabi, giving the club their sixth title of the year.[82] Two days later, he
was given the FIFA World Player of the Year award, beating Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Kak
andAndrs Iniesta.[83] This was the first time he had won the award, and he became the first
Argentine to ever receive this honour.[84] On 10 January 2010, Messi scored his first hat-trick in 2010
and his first hat-trick of the season against CD Tenerife in the 05 victory, and on 17 January he
scored his 100th goal for the club in the 40 victory over Sevilla FC.[85]
Messi scored a hat-trick against Valencia CF in a 30 home win,[86] and finally he scored another hattrick against Real Zaragoza in a 42 away win,[87] becoming the first Barcelona player to score backto-back hat-tricks in La Liga.[88] He played his 200th official match for Barcelona against CA
Osasuna on 24 March 2010.[89]
On 6 April 2010, for the first time in Messi's career he scored four goals in a single match, netting the
lot in a 41 home win over Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, which allowed
him to finish the season as the competition's top scorer for the second consecutive year, with 8
goals.[90][91] This also saw him overtake Rivaldo as Barcelona's all time greatest scorer in the
competition.[92] In the final league match of the season against Valladolid, he scored two goals in the
second half to tie Ronaldo's club record of 34 goals in a single league season, set in 199697, and
to finish four goals behind the all-time record which was held by Telmo Zarra.[93] He won the Pichichi
trophy, and was also named La Liga player of the year for the second year in a row on 3 June 2010.
[94]
He finished the season with 47 goals in all competitions, tying Ronaldo's record from the 1996
97 season, and he provided 11 assists.[95]

201011 season
I feel sorry for those who want to compete for Messi's throne its impossible, this kid is unique.


Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.[96]

On 21 August 2010, Messi scored a hat-trick in his first start of the season in a 40 victory
over Sevilla FC in theSupercopa de Espaa, helping Barcelona secure their first trophy of the
season after a 13 first leg loss.
On 19 September 2010, Messi suffered an ankle injury due to an ill-advised tackle by Atltico Madrid
defenderTom Ujfalui in the 92nd minute of their Round 3 match at the Vicente Caldern Stadium.
At first sight it was feared that Messi suffered a broken ankle that could have kept the star player
away from the pitch for a minimum of six months, but MRI performed the next day in Barcelona
showed he suffered a sprain in the internal and external ligaments of his right ankle. [97] Teammate David Villa stated "the tackle on Messi was brutal" after watching the video of the play and also
added that he believed the Atltico defender "didn't go into the tackle to hurt". [98] The incident caused
widespread media attention and brought up the debate of equality in protecting all players in the
game. Against UD Almera Messi scored his second hat-trick of the season in an impressive 80
away win, the second of which was his 100th La Liga goal. [99]

Messi trying to win the ball fromPepe during the Champions Leaguesemi-finals match against Real Madridon
27 April 2011

Messi won the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or, beating his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta.[100] Messi
had been nominated for the awards for the fourth consecutive year.[101] On 5 February, Barcelona
broke the record for most consecutive league wins with 16 victories after they defeated Atltico
Madrid 30 at the Camp Nou.[102] Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to ensure the victory for his side and
after the match he stated, "it's an honor to be able to pass a record set by a great like "Di Stfano"
and "if the record has been around for so long is because it's very complicated to achieve and we
have reached it by defeating a very difficult team who's going through a bad situation, which makes it
even more difficult."[103]
After failing to score for a month he scored a brace against UD Almera; the second goal was his
47th of the season, equalling his club record return of the previous season. [104] He surpassed his
record on 12 April 2011 by scoring the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions
League game, which put him in the record book as all time top scorer in a single season for
Barcelona.[105] He scored his eighth goal on El Clsico on a 11 tie at the Santiago Bernabu
Stadium. On 23 April, Messi scored his 50th goal of the season against CA Osasuna in a 20 home
victory which he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute.[106] He finished the season by winning La
Liga and scoring 31 goals as he finished runner-up in the Pichichi trophy to Cristiano Ronaldo, who
had managed to score 40. Messi finished the league season as the top assist provider with 18
assists.
On 20 April, Barcelona were defeated by arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2011 Copa del Rey Final.
Messi set up a goal for Pedro, which was however ruled offside. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only

goal of the match in extra time. Messi was however the joint top-scorer of the tournament along with
Cristiano Ronaldo, with 7 goals.[107]
In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, he gave a memorable performance, scoring
twice against Real Madrid in a 20 win, the second goal (a dribble past several players) being
acclaimed as one of the best ever at that stage of the competition.[108][109] At the Champions League
Final at Wembley, Messi scored the eventual game-clinching goal to give Barcelona their third title in
six years and fourth overall.[110] This was also Messi's 12th goal in the Champions League that
season, which allowed him to tie Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record of 12 goals in a single European Cup
season, after it was re-established as the UEFA Champions League, in 1992. The overall record of
goals scored in a single European Cup Season, is Jos Altafini's record of 14 goals, which Messi did
however equal in the following season. Messi finished the 201011 season with 53 goals and 24
assists in all competitions combined.

201112 season

Barcelona and Messi celebrate winning the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi started the season by lifting the Spanish Supercup with Barcelona, scoring three goals and
providing two assists in a 54 aggregate win against Real Madrid. [111] His vital interventions continued
in the next official match played against Porto when he scored again following a weak back pass
from Fredy Guarn before setting up Cesc Fbregas to give Barcelona a 20 victory and the UEFA
Super Cup,[112] then the only official competition that remained for him to score in.[113]
In August, Messi became the second highest goalscorer surpassing Lszl Kubala on 194 goals,
being behind only to Csar Rodrguezon 232 goals in all official competitions.[114]
On 28 September, Messi scored his first two Champions League goals of the season against BATE
Borisov,[115] becoming Barcelona's second highest goalscorer in its history, tying Lszl Kubala, at
194 goals in all official competitions.[116] He surpassed that record when he scored two goals against
Racing Santander.[117] He became second in Barcelona's La Liga goalscorers list with 132 goals, one
more than Kubala.[118] He scored his 200th Barcelona goal and two more as part of a hat-trick in his
next game against Viktoria Plze in the Champions League.[119]

Messi playing against Al Sadd in the semi-finals of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup on 15 December 2011

Messi scored twice in the Club World Cup Final against Santos and was recognised as the man of
the match and also awarded theGolden Ball for his performance during the tournament.[120]
Messi won the 2011 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, beating his Barcelona team-mate Xavi and
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, again beating his team-mate
Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo. By winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or again, Messi become the fourth player
to win three Ballons d'Or, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten and the second
player to win three consecutive Ballons d'Or, after Michel Platini (although two of his Ballons d'Or are
FIFA Ballons d'Or, which he won consecutively). Messi also won the IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer
award, with 19 goals in 2011.[121]
On 19 February 2012, Messi, on his 200th La Liga appearance, scored four goals against Valencia
CF in a 51 win.[122] On 7 March, Messi became the first player to score five goals in an UEFA
Champions League match since the tournament's re-establishment in 1992, helping the defending
champions Barcelona win 71 against Bayer Leverkusen.[122]
For the world of football, he [Messi] is a treasure because he is a role model for children around the world. In the
space of half a metre, he can move right or left - it is like he has the ball attached to his body. Maradona was also a
little bit like this, and it could be because they are both low centre of gravity.

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff after Messi set a new goal-scoring record for Barcelona, March 2012.[123]

On 20 March, Messi scored three goals against Granada, making him FC Barcelona's leading
goalscorer in official competitions, surpassing club legend Csar Rodrguez, who had previously
held the record with 232.[123]
On 3 April, Messi scored two goals from penalty kicks against Milan in the second leg of the
Champions League quarter-final, allowing him to surpass his personal record, joint with Ruud van
Nistelrooy, of 12 goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. These goals allowed him to tie
Jos Altafini's record of 14 goals in a single European Cup season in the 196263 season, before
the tournament's re-establishment as the UEFA Champions League in 1992. [124] Messi was unable to
score in the semi-finals, although he provided an assist in the second leg, as Barcelona were
knocked out to eventual winners Chelsea. During the second leg match, Messi missed an
important penalty, hitting the crossbar. The goal would have put Barcelona ahead on aggregate.
On 11 April, Messi scored his 61st goal of the season against Getafe CF, and made two assists.
[125]
On 2 May, Messi scored a hat-trick against Mlaga CF surpassing Gerd Mller's record (67 goals
in 197273) with 68 goals, and thus becoming the best goalscorer in history in one season in
Europe.[126] It was the 21st multi-goal game of the season for Messi and his seventh La Liga hat-trick.
[127]
He then scored four goals on 5 May against RCD Espanyol to take his tally to an unprecedented
72 goals, in the process becoming only the second player to pass 70 goals in a first division season
since Archie Stark of Bethlehem Steel in the American Soccer League in 192425.[128]

Messi playing against Real Madrid in a quarter-final match of the Copa del Rey on 18 January 2012

On 25 May, he scored again in the 2012 Copa del Rey Final, helping Barcelona win their 26th
Spanish Cup title, and increasing his seasonal goalscoring record to an unmatched 73 goals in all
competitions.[129] This was also Guardiola's last match as Barcelona's manager, and the Cup win
marked Messi's second Copa del Rey title, after losing the final the year before, as well as his 14th
Barcelona trophy during Guardiola's four seasons at the club. Although Barcelona failed to win their
fourth consecutive Liga title under Guardiola, finishing runners-up to arch-rivals Real Madrid, Messi
finished the 201112 season as the top goalscorer in La Liga for a second time, with a La Liga
record of 50 goals. He was the second best assist provider in La Liga that season with 16 assists,
after Mesut zil, who managed 17. He also ended the season as the UEFA Champions' League Top
Scorer for a fourth consecutive time, with 14 goals.[129] He was one of the top assist providers of
the tournament with 5 assists and finished the season with 73 goals and 29 assists in all club
competitions, with more goals and assists than any other player.

201213 season
During Barcelona's first game of the season against Real Sociedad, Messi continued his goalscoring
run with a brace in a 51 win at the Camp Nou. Messi added another goal from a penalty in a 32
win against rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2012 Supercopa de Espaa in Barcelona on 23
August.[130] He added another brace against CA Osasuna as Barcelona came from behind away from
home to beat them 21. Messi added another goal from a free kick in the second leg of the
Supercopa de Espaa, as Barcelona, down to ten men, were defeated by Real Madrid on away
goals.[131] This marked his 15th goal in the El Clsico Real Madrid-Barcelona derby, which made him
Barcelona's top scorer in Clasico matches, putting him tied with Ral, behind only Alfredo Di
Stefano, with 18 goals.[132] Messi placed second along with Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2012 UEFA Best
Player in Europe Award, with 17 votes each. The award was won by Messi's Barcelona team mate
Andrs Iniesta.[133] In his third league appearance on 2 September against Valencia CF, Messi
assisted the only goal of the match, by team mate Adriano, from a short corner. Messi scored two
more goals in a win against Getafe on 15 September[134] and added another brace in his
first Champions League match of the season against Spartak Moscow on 20 September, ending in a
32 win to Barcelona, also marking his tenth goal of the season. [135]

On 11 November, Messi scored twice at RCD Mallorca, his 75th and 76th goals in 2012,
surpassing Pel's milestone of 75 goals (1958) in a calendar year, and moved within nine of German
legend Gerd Mller's all-time Guinness World Records title.[136] His 77th and 78th goals came against
Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou which moved Messi seven goals away from the record. [137] On 20
November, Messi scored twice at Spartak Moscow, his 79th and 80th goals of 2012 and moved to
within five goals of the record.[138] Messi continued his scoring run against Levante UD on 25
November with his 81st and 82nd goals of the year which moved him within three goals of Mller.
[139]
On 1 December, Messi scored twice against Athletic Bilbao, his 83rd and 84th goals of the year,
meaning he pulled to within one goal of Mller's record set in 1972. The two goals also meant Messi
equaled the record for Barcelona's all time leading goalscoring record in La Liga, which was held by
Csar Rodrguez with 190 goals.[140] On 9 December, Messi scored twice against Real Betis, his 85th
and 86th goals in 2012, surpassing Mller's milestone of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972
with Bayern Munich and the German national team, as well as surpassing Rodrguez's record for
most league goals for Barcelona.[141][142] Messi sent Mller a No.10 Barcelona shirt, signed "with
respect and admiration", after breaking his record.[143] On 12 December, Messi increased his record
to 88, after scoring twice against Crdoba CF in the first leg of a Copa del Rey game. On 16
December, Messi scored twice in a 41 Barcelona victory against Atltico Madrid, increasing his
record to 90 goals.[144] The tally found its end at 91 goals in a year after Messi scored once
against Real Valladolid. FIFA, however, refuses to acknowledge the record for the most goals in a
calendar year, citing verifiability issues.[145] On 18 December 2012, it was announced that Barcelona
would renew the contract of Messi, extending it until 30 June 2018.[146] The contract was signed 7
February 2013.[147]
On 7 January 2013 odds-on favourite[148] Messi won the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, again beating
Cristiano Ronaldo into second place with team-mate Andrs Iniesta third. In doing this, Messi
became the only player in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times. [149] Messi described receiving the
accolade as "really quite unbelievable" and "too great for words".[150] The achievement fuelled media
comparison of Messi with former greats of the sport such as Diego Maradona and Pel. [151][152]
On 27 January 2013, Messi scored 4 goals in a 51 win against Osasuna, including his 200th goal
in La Liga, becoming the eighth and youngest player to do so.[153] This brought his La Liga tally for the
season up to 33, and his goalscoring total to 44 goals in all competitions. On 16 February 2013,
Messi scored his 300th Barcelona goal the La Liga match against Granada CF, later scoring again in
the match to bring his tally to 301 goals in 365 official matches.[154][155][156] On 2 March 2013, Messi
scored a goal against Real Madrid in a match that Barcelona lost 21. With that goal, Lionel Messi
equalled Alfredo Di Stefano's Clasico goals record of 18.[157] On 9 March 2013, Messi scored after
coming on as a substitute against Deportivo de La Corua, scoring in his 17th consecutive league
match and breaking the all-time world record.[158] Messi's record goalscoring run of 33 goals in 21
games ended against Atletico Madrid.[159]
On 12 March, Messi scored two goals, and helped create the fourth, to help Barcelona
defeat Milan (40) in the second leg of their Champions League game and reach the quarter-finals.
[160]
Messi's opening goal against Milan once again drew further comparisons between himself and
Diego Maradona, due to the similarity between Messi's opening goal of the match and Maradona's
famous goal against Greece in the 1994 World Cup. On 17 March 2013, in a match against Rayo
Vallecano, Messi wore the captain's armband for the first time in an official match for Barcelona,
taking over after Andrs Iniesta was substituted.[161] On 30 March, Messi scored for the 19th
consecutive La Liga game, netting Barcelona's second goal at Celta de Vigo and thus becoming the
first footballer in La Liga's history to score in consecutive matches against every team. [162]
On 2 April 2013, after scoring a goal in a match against Paris Saint-Germain, Messi suffered from a
hamstring problem in his left leg and was substituted at half time. [163] Since then his first team
appearances have been irregular. On 13 May 2013, Messi was unable to finish the match against
Atletico Madrid due to recurrence of the hamstring injury in his left leg, he was forced to leave the
field midway through the second half.[164] It was later announced that he could miss the rest of the

season due to the injury.[165] In the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris
Saint-Germain, Barcelona were down a goal, and Messi was on the bench due to a recurring injury
problem. In the second half, Messi came off the bench and combined with David Villa to help create
Pedro's game tying goal for Barcelona, which allowed them to progress to the semi-finals.
[166]
Barcelona were eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual winners of the competition, Bayern
Munich. Barcelona were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, by arch-rivals Real
Madrid. Barcelona, however, managed to regain the La Liga title from Real Madrid, equalling their
record 100 point campaign, which had been accomplished during the previous season. [167] Messi
once again finished as La Liga's top scorer for the second consecutive year, with 46 goals, also
producing 12 assists in the competition. Messi scored 60 goals and provided 16 assists in all
competitions that season.

201314 season

Messi preparing to take a free-kick in La Liga match against Almeria.

Messi was nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, along with Cristiano Ronaldo
and Franck Ribry, for a third consecutive year.[168] Ribry won the award with 36 votes. Messi
finished in second place with 14 votes, while Ronaldo finished in third-place with 3 votes. [169][170] On 18
August 2013, Messi opened the 201314 La Liga Season with two goals and an assist against
Levante UD, as Barcelona went on to win the match 70. [171] On 28 August, Barcelona claimed their
11th Supercopa de Espaa title over Atltico Madrid on away goals.
On 1 September, Messi scored his 23rd career hat-trick in a 32 win against Valencia CF. With these
goals he became the player to score 100 away goals and become highest scorer in away fixtures in
the league's history.[172] These goals made him the sixth-highest goalscorer in the history of La Liga,
surpassing Quini's tally of 219.[173][174] On 18 September 2013, Messi scored his 24th career hat-trick in
Barcelona's first Champions League win of the season, at home against Ajax, which ended 40. The
goals made him the second-highest goalscorer of all time in the Champions League, with 62 goals,
only behind Ral, and the fourth-highest goalscorer of all time inEuropean Competitions, with 63.
With this hatrick Messi became the first player to score four hat tricks in the Champions League.
[175]
On 10 November, Messi suffered an injury in a 41 away win against Real Betis, which would
keep him sidelined until January 2014. This was his third injury of the season. [176]
On 8 January 2014, Messi returned from injury to score twice for Bara in a 40 Copa del Rey win
against Getafe.[177] On 13 January, he placed second in the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or, behind Cristiano
Ronaldo.[178] On 15 February, Messi scored twice against Rayo Vallecano in a 60 win to overtake
fellow ArgentineAlfredo di Stfano and draw level with Ral as the third-highest goalscorer in La Liga
history with 228 goals.[179]

On 16 March 2014, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 70 defeat of Osasuna to overtake Paulino

Alcntara as Bara's top goalscorer in all competitions, including friendlies.[180] On 23 March, he
scored a hat-trick in a 43 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabu to become the outright
all-time top goalscorer in El Clsico fixtures, ahead of Di Stefano.[181] These goals also enabled him to
become the second highest goalscorer in La Liga, overtaking Hugo Snchez.[182]
Messi finished his club season with only one trophy, the Spanish Super Cup, as Barcelona finished
as runners-up in La Liga, behind Atletico Madrid, who had also eliminated them in the quarter-finals
of the Champions League that season. Barcelona were also defeated in the Copa del Rey final by
rivals Real Madrid, although Messi was the top scorer in the competition. Messi concluded the
season with 41 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, but his 28 league goals in La Liga were not
enough for him to defend the Pichichi trophy, which went to Cristiano Ronaldo, who managed 31
goals.[183] On 16 May 2014, Messi agreed a new contract with the Catalan club.[184]

201415 season

Messi celebrating scoring a goal against Granada CF in October 2014.

Messi opened the 2014-15 La Liga season for Barcelona by scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Elche
CF.[185] In the following match againstVillareal CF, he set up Sandro's match-winning goal, although
he suffered an injury to an abductor muscle in his right hip. [186] On 27 September, Messi scored his
400th professional career goal, aged just 27, in a 60 home win over Granada CF; he later added a
second, and also provided two assists during the match. [187] In a post-match news conference he was
lauded by his coach Luis Enrique, who stated: "It's like Messi was touched by a magic wand."[188]
On 18 October, Messi scored his 250th La Liga goal in a 3-0 home win over SD Eibar, also assisting
another goal. This goal took him to one strike from equalling Telmo Zarra's all-time record of 251 La
Liga goals.[189] Messi had previously celebrated the 10th anniversary of his club debut that week, on
16 October.[190] On 5 November, he scored both goals in Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Ajax, enabling
his team to advance to the knock-out stage of the Champions League with two group games
remaining. These goals increased Messi's tally to 71 goals in the competition, equalling Ral's UEFA
Champions League goal-scoring record.[191] Messi scored a hat-trick in a 51 win overSevilla on 22
November to become the all-time top scorer in La Liga with 253 goals, breaking the record of 251
held by Telmo Zarra since 1955.[192] Three days later, he scored another hat-trick in a 40 win
over APOEL Nicosia to become the outright top scorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League
with 74 goals.[193]
On 7 December 2014, Messi scored his third consecutive hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-1 home win over
local rivals RCD Espanyol, which allowed him to surpass Cesr as the top goalscorer in the Derbi
barcelon, with 12 goals.[194] On 11 January 2015, Barcelona's "holy trinity" of Messi, Neymar and Luis
Surez scored in a 31 home win over defending La Liga champions Atltico Madrid. Messi's goal
enabled him to end his goal drought against the Madrid club; he also set up Surez's goal during the
match.[195] On 12 January 2015, Messi placed second in the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or, behind Cristiano
Ronaldo, for the second consecutive year.[196]

On 8 February, Messi scored a goal and made his 104th and 105th La Liga assists in a 2-5 away win
over Athletic Bilbao, equalling the record held by Luis Figo for the most assists made in La Liga
history.[197] In the next League game, on 15 February, his 300th La Liga appearance, he scored a hattrick and made his 106th La Liga assist in a 5-0 home win over Levante, surpassing Figo as the
player with most assists in La Liga;[198][note 1] he also drew level with Zarra for the most hat-tricks scored
for a Spanish team in all competitions, and with Cristiano Ronaldo, for the most hat-tricks in La Liga.
[199]

International career
Often referred to as an Argentine-Spanish player, this crossover was brought into sharp focus when
in 2004, Lionel was offered the chance to play for the Spanish national U-20 team. He declined the
offer given his Argentine heritage, and was given the opportunity to play for Argentina's U-20 team in
a friendly match against Paraguay in June 2004.[200]Messi scored once against Paraguay and twice in
friendly against Uruguay in July 2004.[201] In 2005 he was part of a team that finished third in 2005
South American Youth Championship in Colombia. He won the 2005 FIFA World Youth
Championship in the Netherlands with the team and won the Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe,
[202]
scoring in the last four of Argentina's matches and netting a total of six for the tournament.
He made his full international debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary at the age of 18. He was
substituted on during the 63rd minute, but was sent off on the 65th minute because the
referee, Markus Merk, claimed that Messi had allegedly elbowed defender Vilmos Vanczk, who was
tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Diego Maradona even claimed the decision
was pre-meditated. Messi was later reportedly found weeping in the changing rooms after the
decision.[203][204] Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 10 World Cup
qualifier away defeat to Paraguay. Ahead of the match he had said "This is a re-debut. The first one
was a bit short."[205] He then started his first game for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Peru,
in which he was able to win a crucial penalty for Argentina to win the match; after the match national
coach Jos Pkerman described Messi as "a jewel".[206] He scored his first goal for Argentina in a
friendly match against Croatia on 1 March 2006.[207]

2006 World Cup

An injury that kept Messi from playing for two months at the end of the 200506 season jeopardised
his presence in the 2006 World Cup. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for
the tournament on 15 May 2006. He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the
Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and a friendly match against Angola from the 64th minute.[208]
[209]
He witnessed Argentina's opening match victory against Ivory Coast from the substitutes' bench.
[210]

In the next match against Serbia and Montenegro, Messi became the youngest player to represent
Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Maxi Rodrguez in the 74th minute.[211]
[212]
He assisted Hernn Crespo's goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final
goal in the 60 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest
goalscorer in the history of the World Cup.[212] Messi started in Argentina's following 00 draw against
theNetherlands.[213] In the following game against Mexico, Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th
minute, with the score tied at 11. He appeared to score a goal, but it was ruledoffside with
Argentina needing a late goal in extra time to proceed.[214][215] Jos Pekerman left Messi on the bench
during the quarter-final match against Germany, which they lost 42 on a penalty shootout.[216]

2007 Copa Amrica

Messi played his first game in the 2007 Copa Amrica on 29 June 2007,
when Argentina defeated United States 41 in the first game. In this game, he showed his
capabilities as a playmaker. He set up a goal for fellow striker Hernn Crespo and had numerous

shots on target. Carlos Tevez came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scored
minutes later.[217]

Messi in a semi-final match againstPeru during the 2007 Copa Amrica on 8 July 2007

His second game was against Colombia, in which he won a penalty that Crespo converted to tie the
game at 11. He also played a part in Argentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box,
which allowed Juan Roman Riquelme to score from a free kick, and increase Argentina's lead to 3
1. The final score of the game was 42 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in the
tournament's quarter-finals.[218]
In the third game, against Paraguay the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarterfinals. He came off the bench in place of Esteban Cambiasso in the 64th minute, with the score at 0
0. In the 79th minute, he assisted a goal for Javier Mascherano.[219] In the quarter-finals, as Argentina
faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of the game, from a Riquelme pass in a 40 win.
[220]
During the semi-final match against Mexico, Messi scored a lob over Oswaldo Snchez to see
Argentina through to the final with a 30 win.[221]Argentina went on to lose 30 to Brazil in the final.
[222]
Messi was elected young player of the tournament. [223]

2008 Summer Olympics

Messi playing against Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2008 Olympics on 19 August 2008

Having barred Messi from playing for Argentina in the 2008 Olympics,[224] Barcelona agreed to
release him after he held talks with newly appointed coach Pep Guardiola. [225] He joined the Argentina
squad and scored the first goal in a 21 victory over Ivory Coast.[225] He then scored the opening goal
and assisted ngel Di Mara in the second to help his side to a 21 extra-time win against
the Netherlands.[226] He also featured in Argentina's match against rivals Brazil, in which Argentina
took a 30 victory, thus advancing to the final. In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di
Mara for the only goal in a 10 victory overNigeria.[227]

2010 World Cup qualification

On 28 March 2009, in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the number 10 jersey for
the first time with Argentina. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the
Argentina manager. Argentina won the match 40 with Messi opening the scoring. [228] Overall, Messi
scored four goals in 18 appearances during the South American 2010 World Cup qualifying process.
[229]

2010 World Cup

Messi and Argentina lost 40 against Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Messi wore the number 10 shirt for the first time in a major tournament.
He played the entire game on Argentina's opening match of the tournament, the 10 victory
against Nigeria. He had several opportunities to score but was repeatedly denied by Nigerian
goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama,[230] who was named man of the match by FIFA.[231] Messi started in
Argentina's following 41 win against Korea Republic; he played in more of an attacking midfielder
and playmaking role under Maradona,[232][233] and participated in all of the goals of his team,
helping Gonzalo Higuan score a hat-trick.[234] In the third group match, Messi was namedcaptain for
Argentina in a 20 win over Greece. He was again the centrepoint of Argentina's play, playing an
important role in both of his team's goals,[235] and was voted man of the match.[236]
At the Round of 16 he assisted a controversial goal to Carlos Tevez for the first goal in a 31 win
against Mexico. The World Cup ended for Argentina with a 40 loss against Germany in the quarterfinals.[237]
Messi was nominated in ten player shortlist for Golden Ball award by FIFA Technical Study Group.
The group identified Messi with the following words: "Outstanding in his pace and creativity for his
team, dribbling, shooting, passing spectacular and efficient". [238]

2011 Copa Amrica

Messi (right) challenging Granit Xhaka for the ball during an international friendly betweenSwitzerland and
Argentina on 29 February 2012

On 17 November 2010, Messi scored a last-minute goal against South American rivals Brazil after
an individual effort to help his team to a 10 win in the friendly match, which was held in Doha. This
was the first time that he had scored against Brazil at senior level.[239] Messi scored another lastminute goal on 9 February 2011 against Portugal from a penalty kick which gave his side a 21
victory in the friendly match, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland. He had also previously
assisted the first goal.

Messi took part in the 2011 Copa Amrica in Argentina, where he failed to score a goal but made
three assists, finishing as the joint top assist provider of the tournament. [240] He was selected as man
of the match in the group matches against Bolivia (11) and Costa Rica(30). Argentina were
eliminated in the quarter-finals in a penalty shoot-out against the eventual winners of the Copa
Amrica, Uruguay (11 a.e.t.), with Messi scoring as the first penalty taker.[241] Messi had also
previously assisted Higuan's equaliser in the 17th minute.[241]

2014 World Cup qualification

After Argentina's unsuccessful performance in the Copa Amrica, Sergio Batista was replaced as
Argentina coach with Alejandro Sabella. In August 2011, Sabella named Messi as the new
permanent captain of the Argentina national team.[242] Messi's first hat-trick for theAlbiceleste came in
a friendly match against Switzerland, on 29 February 2012, in a 31 win for Argentina.
On 9 June 2012, Messi scored his second international hat-trick in a friendly match against rivals
Brazil, including the match winner. The match ended 43 to Argentina and Messi was voted man of
the match.[243] This brought his international goalscoring tally up to 26 goals in 70 matches, and
brought his 2012 tally up to 7 goals in 3 matches. This was also his record-breaking 82nd goal of the
season, including all club and international matches.[244]These goals also made him the fourth-highest
goalscorer for the Argentine national team.[245]
On 7 September, Messi scored his 28th goal for Argentina in a 31 victory against Paraguay in
a 2014 World Cup qualifying match, sending them to the top of the CONMEBOLWorld Cup
qualifying table. This was his fourth goal in the current World Cup qualifying campaign and his eighth
overall in World Cup qualifying matches, making him the third-highest scorer for Argentina in World
Cup qualifying matches. This was also his tenth goal for Argentina in the past six matches and his
ninth in five matches played in 2012.[246]After scoring twice against Uruguay and once against Chile in
October, Messi finished 2012 with 12 goals in nine appearances for Argentina. [247]
On 22 March 2013, Messi scored his first international goal of 2013 from the penalty spot in a World
Cup qualifier against Venezuela. In the same match he provided two assists for Gonzalo Higuan as
Argentina won 30.[248] On 14 June 2013, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 40 friendly win
against Guatemala, surpassing Diego Maradona's 34 goals onArgentina's all-time top scorer's
list and matching Hernn Crespo for second with 35 goals.[249] Messi surpassed Crespo's tally in
the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, scoring two goals from penalties as well as providing
an assist for Sergio Agero. The match finished 52 to Argentina, ensuring their qualification for
the 2014 World Cup with two matches at hand. Messi ended the 2014 FIFA World Cup
qualification campaign as second-top scorer in the South American section with ten goals.[250] On 7
June 2014, Messi scored in a 20 win against Slovenia in a pre-World Cup friendly match, coming
on as a substitute; this was his first goal for his national side in the year 2014. [251]

2014 World Cup

Messi captained Argentina in their first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, leading them to a 21 win
over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 June.[252] Argentina's opening goal came after three minutes
when Messi's cross into the box from a free kick was met by Argentina defender Marcos Rojo whose
header was deflected into the net by Sead Kolainac.[252] In the 65th minute, Messi scored Argentina's
second, going on a trademark dribbling run past three players, after a one-two exchange
with Higuan, before scoring from the edge of the penalty area via a slight deflection off Mensur
Mujda.[253] It was his first World Cup goal since scoring against Serbia and Montenegro on his World
Cup debut in a 60 win in the 2006 tournament. In the team's second game, Messi scored a
stoppage time winner against Iran with a strike from 25 yards out which curled into the left corner of
the goal.[254] This was Messi's 40th international goal, and the 10 win ensured Argentina qualified for
the knockout stage.[255][256] In the team's third group match on 25 June, Messi took his tally in the
tournament to four goals, scoring twice in a 32 win against Nigeria, his second a free kick, as

Argentina finished first in their group.[257] Messi was elected man of the match in all three of
Argentina's group games.[258][259][260]

Messi battling Germany's Mats Hummels for the ball at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final

In Argentina's round of 16 match against Switzerland, Messi assisted ngel Di Mara's match
winning goal in the 118th minute, giving Argentina a 10 win after extra time. After receiving the ball
from Rodrigo Palacio, Messi began a dribbling run, taking it past Fabian Schr, and laying the ball off
for Di Mara to score.[261] Messi was once again elected man of the match.[262] In the quarterfinal match against Belgium, Messi started the play which led to Higuan's match winning goal,
sending Argentina to the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1990.[263] Argentina
eliminated the Netherlands, 42 on penalties in the semi-final, after a 00 draw following extra time,
allowing them to progress to the World Cup Final for the first time since Maradona had led them
there in 1990. Messi was heavily marked by the Dutch and didn't score, [264] but he netted Argentina's
first penalty in the shootout.[265]

Messi (bottom left) and members of the Argentina national team with Argentina president Cristina Kirchneron
14 July after the 2014 FIFA World Cup

On 11 July, Messi was named on the 10-man shortlist by the FIFA technical committee for
FIFA'sGolden Ball award for the tournament's best player.[266] The World Cup final match on 13 July,
in a repeat of the 1990 final, was billed as the world's best player [Messi] versus the world's best
team [Germany].[264][267] In the 29th minute, Messi had started a play which led to a goal by Higuan,
which was correctly ruled offside. Messi missed several opportunities to open the scoring throughout
the match, in particular during his breakaway at the 47th minute, when his effort was put just wide of
the far post. The game remained scoreless until German substitute Mario Gtze scored in the 113th
minute, then in the last minutes of extra time Messi's free kick sailed over the net, and Germany won
the game 1-0 to claim the World Cup.[268]
Messi finished as the joint-third-highest goalscorer of the tournament, with four goals and an assist,
though Neymar received the Bronze Boot due to the tie-breaking criteria of playing fewer minutes
than Messi. Messi's goals against Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina were nominated for the goal
of the tournament award, and were voted the ninth and eighth best goals of the tournament,

respectively.[269]Messi's four Man of the Match awards were the most of any player in the tournament.
[270]

At the conclusion of the World Cup final, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, as the tournament's
best player, ahead of Thomas Mllerand Arjen Robben, and was named in the FIFA World Cup AllStar Team. Messi created the most chances, made the most successful dribbling runs, made the
most deliveries into the box, and produced the most throughballs of any other player throughout the
World Cup.[271] However, the decision to award Messi the Golden Ball sparked controversy amongst
the media, as Messi had no goals and just one assist (in the Round of 16 match) during the
knockout round. FIFA President Sepp Blatter was surprised at the choice of Messi for the Golden
Ball, while Argentina's former captain and coach Diego Maradona suggested that "marketing people"
had chosen the wrong player for the award.[272][273] On his award and the final, Messi commented: "I do
not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by the wasted chances. We had the best chances.
We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not
care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great." [274]

Style of play

Messi, playing for Argentina in 2011, has been compared to compatriot Diego Maradona and twotimeFIFA/Ballon d'Or winner,Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi has been compared to compatriot Diego Maradona, due to their similar playing style and
stature,[275] which gives him a lower centre of gravity than most players, allowing him to be more agile
and change direction more quickly, helping him to evade opposing tackles. [276] His short, strong legs
allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration and his quick feet allow him to keep control of the
ball when dribbling at speed.[277]His former FC Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, once stated:
"Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it." [278]Like Maradona
before him, Messi is predominantly a left footed player; [279][280] during the 2014-15 season however, he
was able to partially improve his ability with his weaker foot.[281] With the outside of his left foot, he
usually begins dribbling runs, while he uses the inside of his foot to finish and provide passes
and assists to team mates.[276] Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, and
alongside Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, as one of the two best players in the world of his
generation.[3][4][6][7][8]
Due to his pace and technical ability, Messi often undertakes individual dribbling runs towards goal,
in particular during counterattacks, usually starting from the halfway line, or the right side of the
pitch. However, he has also been described as a versatile, hard-working team player, with good
vision, known for his passing ability and creative combinations, in particular with Barcelona midfield
team mates Xavi and Iniesta.[282][283][284]He is also an accurate free kick and penalty kick taker.[285] With

regard to his dribbling ability, Maradona has said of Messi: "The ball stays glued to his foot; Ive seen
great players in my career, but Ive never seen anyone with Messi's ball control." [286] Maradona
considers Messi to currently be the greatest player in the world.[287][288] Despite being neither physically
imposing nor particularly dominant in the air, due to his small stature and physique, Messi possesses
notable upper-body strength, which, along with his balance and control, aids him in protecting the
ball and withstanding more physical challenges from opponents;[289] although he is not known for his
ability in the air, he is also accurate with his head and possesses a surprising jumping ability.[290][291][292]
Tactically, Messi plays a free attacking role;[51] a prolific goalscorer, he is known for his finishing, pace,
stamina, skill, dribbling, balance, positioning and quick reactions.[293] He also occasionally functions in
a playmaking role, due to his vision and precise passing.[283][294] A versatile player, Messi is capable of
playing anywhere along the front line, as he is comfortable attacking on either wing or through the
centre of the pitch.[295] He began his career as a left-winger or as a left-sided forward, but was later
moved onto the right wing by former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard, who noticed that from this
position, Messi could cut through the defence into the middle of the pitch more easily, allowing him
to curl shots on goal with his left foot, rather than predominantly crossing balls for team mates.[296] He
has more recently played as a striker, and in a "false 9" role under Guardiola.[297] This role is
characterised by Messi's apparent tendency to play as a centre forward, or as a lone striker,
although he will often run back into deep positions, drawing defenders with him. His movement
creates space for wingers, other forwards, and attacking midfielders to make runs, allowing him to
provide them with assists, or giving him space to begin dribbling runs, and score goals or create
attacking plays.[297] With the Argentina national team, Messi usually plays anywhere along the front
line. He began as a supporting forward, striker, or winger, but recently he has also played in a
deeper, creative role, in particular under Maradona, in more of an attacking midfield and playmaking
role.[232][233]

Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo

Main article: Cristiano RonaldoLionel Messi rivalry
Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo before an international friendly betweenPortugal and Argentina in Geneva,
Switzerland on 9 February 2011

Both players have scored in two UEFA Champions League finals and have regularly broken the 50
goal barrier in a single season. Both have scored over 400 goals in their career for club and country.
[188][298]
Sports journalists and pundits regularly argue the individual merits of both players in an attempt
to argue who they believe is the best player in modern football. [299] It has been compared to
legendarysports rivalries such as the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier rivalry in boxing which culminated
with the Thrilla in Manila, the BorgMcEnroe rivalry in tennis, and the Ayrton Senna-Alain
Prost rivalry from Formula One.[300][301]
Even before he [Ronaldo] signed for Madrid, I knew he would be my great rival in the following years.

Messi commenting on his rivalry with Ronaldo.[302]

Some commentators choose to analyse the differing physiques of the two, [303] while part of the debate
revolves around the contrasting personalities of the two players: Ronaldo is depicted as an arrogant
and theatrical showoff, while Messi is portrayed as a shy, humble character.[304][305][306][307]
With Messi and Ronaldo representing bitter Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two
players face each other at least twice every season in the world's biggest club game, El Clsico,
which had a global audience of 400 million viewers in March 2014. [308] Off the field, they are the face
of two rival sportswear giants, Messi of Adidas and Ronaldo of Nike.[309] The two highest paid players

in football, Ronaldo and Messi are among the world's best paid sports stars: in 2013, Ronaldo was
second earning $80 million, and Messi was fourth with $64.7 million.[310] They have the two biggest
social media followings in the world among sportspeople with a combined 138 million Facebook fans
by May 2014.[308]
Many figures in the sport have cited Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as being the two best players of
their generation, such as Johan Cruyff,[311] Diego Maradona[312] and the Brazilian Ronaldo.[313] The two
players have been named the world's best player by FIFA every year since 2008: FIFA World Player
of the Year (Ronaldo 2008, Messi 2009) andFIFA Ballon d'Or (Messi 2010, 2011, 2012, Ronaldo
2013, 2014).[314] Cristiano Ronaldo's former Real Madrid manager, Jos Mourinho, once stated: "If
both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born in different eras, they would have ruled the football
scene and collected 10 FIFA Ballon d'Ors each."[315]

Outside football
Personal life

Messi during a Barcelona training session at the Camp Nou on 21 May 2009

Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, also from his hometown of Rosario.
He is said to have been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover
from his injury a few days before the start of the 2006 World Cup.[316][317] He has in the past also been
linked to the Argentine glamour model Luciana Salazar.[318][319]
In January 2009, he told "Hat Trick Bara", a programme on Canal 33: "I have a girlfriend and she is
living in Argentina. I am relaxed and happy".[319]He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo,[320] at a
carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario. [321] On
2 June 2012, Messi assisted and scored a goal in Argentina's 40 win against Ecuador in a World
Cup 2014 Qualifying match. He celebrated scoring his 23rd goal for Argentina, by placing the ball
under his jersey, as his girlfriend was reportedly 12 weeks pregnant. She posted onTwitter that she
expected to give birth in September.[322] Messi stated that the child, a son, would be born in October,
and that he and his girlfriend would name him Thiago.
However, the birth came later than expected. On 2 November 2012, Messi became a father for the
first time following the birth of his son Thiago. FC Barcelona's official website briefly stated "Leo
Messi is a father". Besides, the Argentine striker added on his Facebook page: "Today I am the
happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift!" [19][323] He also had the
boy's name and handprints tattooed on his left calf. [324]
To celebrate his son's first birthday, Messi and Thiago were part of a publicity campaign for UNICEF.
[325]
Those who signed up and participated in the social-media campaign had the chance to win a pair
of Messi's shoes or a signed Messi T-shirt.[325]

Messi has two cousins also involved in football: Maxi, a winger for Club Olimpia of Paraguay,
and Emanuel Biancucchi, who plays as a midfielder for Paraguay's Independiente F.B.C..[326][327]
In 2013, Messi, a devout Roman Catholic, met Pope Francis, himself a fan of Argentine club San
Lorenzo, at the Vatican, with Messi stating; Without a doubt, today was one of the most special days
of my life. We have to excel on and off the field.[328]
Messi has maintained close ties to Rosario and his family since leaving for Spain, and has gone to
great lengths to maintain them. He keeps in daily contact via phone and text with a small group of
confidants from Rosario, most of them fellow members of "The Machine of '87". One time when he
was in training with the Argentina national team in Buenos Aires, he made a three-hour trip by car to
Rosario immediately after practice to have dinner with his family, spent the night with them, and then
returned to Buenos Aires the next day in time for practice. Messi has also kept ownership of his old
house in Rosario, although his family no longer lives in it; he maintains a penthouse apartment in an
exclusive residential building in which his mother lives (Messi's father spends most of his time in
Spain with him), as well as a family compound just outside the city.[19]

Charity
In 2007, Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation, a charity supporting access to education and
health care for vulnerable children.[329][330] In response to Messi's own childhood medical difficulties,
the Leo Messi Foundation has offered Argentine children diagnosed with illnesses treatment in Spain
and funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs.[331] Messi's foundation is supported
by his own fundraising activity with additional assistance from Herbalife.
On 11 March 2010, Messi was announced as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.[332] Messi's
UNICEF ambassador activities are aimed at supporting childrens rights. Messi is supported in this
by Barcelona, who also have a strong association with UNICEF.[333]
He and Newell's have also ended a long public feud. Messi funded the construction of a dormitory
inside Newell's stadium for the club's youth academy, as well as a new gymnasium for the club. For
their part, Newell's has begun to embrace their ties with Messi, and plans to issue a special club
membership card to Messi's son.[19]
In March 2013, Lionel Messi donated 600,000 towards the refurbishment of a children's hospital in
his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The money was used to renovate the oncology unit at the Victor
J Vilela Children's Hospital, as well as paying for doctors to travel to Barcelona for training. [334]
In January 2015, Messi teamed up with tennis star Serena Williams as ambassadors in a new
campaign, called 1 in 11 (represents the number of children worldwide who are unable to attend
school), the result of a collaboration between UNICEF, the F.C. Barcelona Foundation, and Reach
Out To Asia (ROTA). The campaign's aim is to help children around the world reach their potential
through sport and education by raising funds for education programmes. [335]

Wealth
In March 2010, France Football ranked Messi at the top of its list of the world's richest footballers,
ahead of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, with 33 million ($45 million) in combined income
from salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings for the previous 12 months. [336][337] In May
2014, Forbes ranked Messi second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in their list of the world's highest paid
players with earnings of $65 million in the previous 12 months.[338]
Salary
In December 2012, Barcelona announced that Messi would sign a five-year contract extension which
will keep him at the club until 2018 and raising his base salary to 16 million ($21.2 million) net,
which will make him the highest on-field earner in football. As the tax bracket for this level of income
in Spain is 56%, it means that Barcelona will have to pay Messi's income tax of a little over
20 million ($26.5 million).[339] His formal buy-out clause remains at 250 million.[340]

Sponsorships
In September 2012, Messi became the global brand ambassador of Turkish Airlines.[341] Messi shot a
commercial for the airline with NBA star Kobe Bryant. In the airline's latest commercial, the duo
competes to win the attention of a young boy.[342] Messi appeared in a 2012 television advert for
Japanese face wash Scalp-D.[343] In December 2013, Messi appeared in an advertisement for South
Korean company Samsung, along with 10 other football players from around the globe, as the
captain of a Galaxy XI managed by German football legend Franz Beckenbauer.[344]
In February 2014, Messi appeared in a Gillette advertisement with tennis star Roger Federer. He
was announced as the global face of the company's international football campaign. Gillette has also
become a partner of the Leo Messi Foundation to support its mission. [345]
Tax evasion
Messi's father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was under investigation for an alleged 4 million in unpaid
taxes from 2007 to 2009. Messi and his father were accused of channelling funds through the United
Kingdom and Switzerland, to a number of shell companies set up in tax havens of Belize and
Uruguary, in order to shield royalties and other licensing income from Spanish income tax which
allowed them to avoid paying around 4.165 million.[346][347]
The elder Messi made a payment of over 5 million in August 2013 to cover the unpaid taxes, plus
interest. The prosecutor originally agreed that Jorge was responsible for the tax schemes and
recommended that the charges be dismissed. However, a Barcelona court stated that there was
sufficient evidence proving that the younger Messi should have known about and consented to the
tax scheme and ordered them both to stand trial on tax evasion charges in autumn 2014. [348][349][350]

Media

An example of Messi's popularity and influence, photographed in India

Messi was featured on the front covers of the video games Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and Pro
Evolution Soccer 2011 and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the games.[351][352] Messi,
along with Fernando Torres,[353] is the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, and was also involved in
the motion capturing and the trailer.[354][355][356] However in November 2011, Messi was confirmed as the
new face of PES's rival football series FIFA with his debut as a cover star of the series coming in
2012's FIFA Street. Messi was also chosen to be on the cover of FIFA 13 and FIFA 14.[357] Messi is
sponsored by the German sportswear company Adidas and features in their television
advertisements.[358] In June 2010, Messi also signed a threeyear contract with Herbalife which
further supports the Leo Messi Foundation.[359]
Messi was named twice in the Time 100, Time magazine's annual list of the most influential people
in the world, in 2011[360] and in 2012.[361]
Within a few hours of its launch in April 2011, Messi's Facebook page had more than six million
followers,[362] and in 2013, Messi became the second sportsperson, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to amass
over 50 million followers.[363]

Messi ranked second behind Neymar in SportsPro magazine's 2013 list of the world's most
marketable athletes.[9]
Japanese jeweller Ginza Takana used a cast of Messi's left foot to create a solid gold replica,
weighing 25 kilograms (55 lb), which went on sale in Japan in March 2013 to raise funds for victims
of the 2011 Thoku earthquake and tsunami. It was valued at $5.25 million.[364]
In 2014, Messi was the subject of a documentary by filmmaker lex de la Iglesia, titled Messi, which
premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September.[365][366]