It would be impossible to overstate the importance of Lionel Messi to FC Barcelona and the game of soccer. He is yet to have the same kind of impact at Paris Saint-Germain. However, there is no denying his ability and importance to the Parisian outfit, especially as he is only in his second season with the club.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has redefined what it means to be a striker, and his influence can be seen in how young players all over the world approach the game.
In this blog post, we will look at the history and legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the world.
Personal story
Lionel Messi was born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. Messi began playing soccer at a young age, and it quickly became apparent that he had exceptional talent. When he was just 11 years old, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that threatened to end his career before it even began. However, FC Barcelona offered to pay for his treatment on the condition that he move to Spain and join their youth academy. Messi agreed, and he would go on to spend his entire professional career with Barcelona.
Messi made his senior debut for Barcelona in 2004 and immediately began setting records. In 2005, at 18, he became the youngest player to score a goal in La Liga. He would go on to win La Liga's Player of the Year award a record six times, and he has also won FIFA's Ballon d'Or award a record 7 times. Lionel Messi has won the award seven times, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five.
International Career
In addition to his success at the club level, Messi has also enjoyed tremendous success with the Argentine national team. He helped Argentina reach the final of the 2014 World Cup, and although they ultimately lost to Germany, Messi was named tournament MVP.
He will be looking to go one further than the 2014 FIFA World Cup this year, though, as he will likely be playing in his final tournament for his country. Indeed, he will be crucial if they are to claim the prize - and arguably the only thing missing from his trophy cabinet, and the South Americans will like their chances.
They are ranked among the favorites to win the tournament, with Messi being among the top World Cup odds to be the top goalscorer of the competition, with club teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar JR also thought to be in the running for their respective nations, too.
Elsewhere, he also won gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games while he finally captured the Copa America trophy after defeating Brazil in a penalty shootout in the final back in 2021; a competition in which he managed to finish the top goalscorer alongside Liverpool’s Colombian Luis Diaz.
Currently at PSG
Of course, Messi is no longer an intricate part of Barcelona's attack. During his time at the Nou Camp, he helped the club win countless trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles. However, he is now playing his trade at PSG, where he regularly teams up with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar JR.
However, since moving to the Parc des Princes on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract, he has already managed to add the Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions to his cabinet.
As mentioned, he has had a slow start in France, although that could be down to a variety of different reasons. However many do expect him to continue to show everyone why he is idolized all around the world and why he is considered to be one of the best to have ever played the game.
Wrap Up
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His skill, vision, and work ethic have redefined what it means to be a striker, and he continues to set new standards for those who follow in his footsteps. As we look back on his illustrious career, there is no doubt that Lionel Messi will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in history.
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