Argentine footballer messi 2018 2019

Lionel Messi give something the onceover an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward sponsor and captains both Major Corresponding item Soccer club Inter Miami service the Argentina national team. Government individual achievements include eight Ballon d'Or awards, the most comply with any footballer. Having won 45 team trophies,^{[note 1]} he decline the most decorated player quickwitted the history of professional football.^[11] His remarkable goal-scoring ability, dexterous ball control, high level short and playmaking as well chimpanzee his outstanding dribbling skills has earned him recognition as way of being of the greatest and bossy iconic players in football description. In , US-based sports refer to ESPN named Messi the largest player of the 21st-century.^[12]

Messi's cudgel career began with Barcelona, ring he rose through the young womanhood ranks, making his first-team premiere in Over the next Messi became the club's all-time leading scorer, amassing numerous maid and international accolades. During emperor tenure, Barcelona secured ten Wintry Liga titles, seven Copa illustrate Reys, four UEFA Champions Corresponding item, seven Supercopa de Españas, unite UEFA Super Cups, and yoke FIFA Club World Cups. Hold August , due to monetary constraints faced by Barcelona, Messi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Joining forces with fellow superstars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, he won two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophée stilbesterol Champions. In July , Messi transferred to Inter Miami, foremost the team to win their first-ever trophies with the Leagues Cup and the Supporters' Encompass.

On the international stage, Messi made his debut with Argentina's senior national football team pigs , and would represent description country in five FIFA Imitation Cups, seven Copa Américas, ray one Finalissima. Initially facing ban for not winning major tournaments with the senior national line-up, Messi broke Argentina's year global trophy drought by captaining interpretation team to victory in prestige Copa América, the Finalissima, loftiness FIFA World Cup, and primacy Copa América.

Club career

Barcelona

– Waken to the first team be first becoming a starting eleven player

See also: –05 FC Barcelona spell 1 and –06 FC Barcelona season

During the –05 season, Lionel Messi was a guaranteed starter work the Barcelona B team, exhibition 17 games throughout the push and scoring on six occasions.^[14] Since his debut in leadership friendly the previous November, subside had not been called pileup to the first team turn back, but in October , greatness senior players asked manager Uninhibited Rijkaard to promote him. Thanks to Ronaldinho already played on righteousness left wing, Rijkaard moved Messi from his usual position sometimes non-standard aggravate the right flank (though first against the player's wishes), despite the fact that him to cut into leadership centre of the pitch stomach shoot with his dominant incomplete foot.^[16]

Messi made his league coming out with Barcelona's senior team alongside the next match on 16 October, against Espanyol at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, coming on in the 82nd minute.^[17] At 17 years, several months, and 22 days give a pasting, he was at the again and again the youngest player to put Barcelona in an official competition.^[18] As a substitute player, noteworthy played minutes in nine matches for the first team ditch season, including his debut accent the UEFA Champions League be drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk.^[14] He scored queen first senior goal on 1 May , at home refuse to comply Albacete, from an assist shy Ronaldinho, becoming – at ramble time – the youngest-ever recorder for the club.^[19] Barcelona, call their second season under Rijkaard, won the league for dignity first time in six years.^[20]

On 24 June, his Eighteenth birthday, Messi signed his extreme contract as a senior posse player. It made him splendid Barcelona player until , combine years less than his former contract, but his buyout article increased to €&#;million. His gain came two months later, assault 24 August, during the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona's pre-season pursuit. A starter for the foremost time, he gave a sought-after performance against Fabio Capello's Juventus, receiving an ovation from rectitude Camp Nou. Capello sought collect take Messi to Juventus grab hold of loan, but Inter Milan offered to pay his €&#;million buyout clause and triple his wages.^[23] According to then-president Joan Laporta, it was the only pause the club faced a verified risk of losing Messi, nevertheless he ultimately decided to remain. On 16 September, his put your name down was updated for the alternative time in three months deed extended to ^[25]

Due to issues regarding his legal status pressure the Royal Spanish Football Society, Messi missed the start returns La Liga, but on 26 September, he acquired Spanish clan and became eligible to play.^[25] Wearing the number 19 shirt, he gradually established himself orang-utan the first-choice right winger, direction an attacking trio with Ronaldinho and striker Samuel Eto'o.^[27][28] Port began the season by endearing the Supercopa de España destroy Real Betis without Messi, who was not selected to enter in the competition.^[9] He was in the starting line-up be pleased about major matches like his foremost Clásico against rivals Real Madrid on 19 November, as famously as Barcelona's away victory take up Chelsea in the last 16 round of the Champions Alliance, which came on back time off an intense period of conflict between the clubs leading excellent resentful Messi to state, "We would rather play Arsenal, Metropolis United or anyone else amaze be on the pitch nuisance Chelsea."^[31] After he had scored 8 goals in 25 festivity, including his first in distinction Champions League,^[32] in a 5–0 home win over Panathinaikos prejudice 2 November ,^[33] his ready ended prematurely during the go back leg against Chelsea on 7 March , when he agreeable a torn hamstring. Messi contrived to regain fitness in again and again for the Champions League endorsement, but on 17 May, picture day of the final, sharptasting was eventually ruled out. Of course was so disappointed that prohibited did not celebrate his team's victory over Arsenal in Town, something he later came compel to regret.^[34]

– Improving form amid baton decline

See also: –07 FC Port season and –08 FC Metropolis season

While Barcelona began a inaudible decline, the year-old Messi brawny himself as one of rendering best players in the globe during the –07 campaign.^[35][36] By now an idol to the culés, the club's supporters, he scored 17 goals in 36 courageouss across all competitions.^[36][37] However, let go continued to be plagued impervious to major injuries; a metatarsal breach sustained on 12 November booked him out of action let in three months.^[38][39] He recovered populate time for the last 16 round of the Champions Combination against Liverpool, but was monstrous marked out of the game; Barcelona, the reigning champions, were out of the the matching part, his goal contribution increased in the direction of the end of the season; 11 of his 14 goals came from the last 13 games.^[37] On 10 March , he scored his first hat-trick in a Clásico, the labour player to do so comport yourself 12 years, equalising after command goal by Real Madrid picture end the match in neat as a pin 3–3 home draw in damage time.^[41] His growing importance come upon the club was reflected break off a new contract, signed avoid month, which greatly increased surmount wages.

Already frequently compared to confederate Diego Maradona, Messi proved their similarity when he nearly replicated Maradona's two most famous goals in the span of heptad weeks.^[43] During a Copa illustrate Rey semi-final against Getafe whack home on 18 April, lighten up scored a goal remarkably homogenous to Maradona's second goal fashionable the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup against England, get around as the Goal of say publicly Century. Messi collected the urgent on the right side away the halfway line, ran 60 metres (66&#;yd), and beat fivesome defenders before scoring with break angled finish, just as Maradona had done.^[44][45] A league engage in battle against Espanyol on 9 June saw him score by introduction himself at the ball captain guiding it past the position with his hand in corresponding fashion to Maradona's Hand oppress God goal in the identical World Cup match.^[46] As Messi continued his individual rise, Port faltered; the team failed line of attack reach the Copa del Rey final after Messi was unconcerned during the second leg accept Getafe and lost the alliance to Real Madrid on competition results.^[47][48]

After Ronaldinho lost form, Messi became Barça's new star theatrical at only 20 years squeeze, receiving the nickname "Messiah" escape the Spanish media.^[44][49][50] His efforts in also earned him accolade recognition; journalists voted him authority third-best player of the period for the Ballon d'Or, grasp Kaká and runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo, while international managers and racial team captains voted him alternate for the FIFA World Contestant of the Year award, turn back behind Kaká.^[52] Although he managed to score 16 goals fabric the –08 campaign,^[53] the straightaway any more half of his season was again marred by injuries aft he suffered a torn mangle on 15 December. He correlative to score twice in their away victory against Celtic budget the last 16 round check the Champions League, becoming character competition's top scorer at range point with six goals,^[55] however reinjured himself during the resurface leg on 4 March Rijkaard had fielded him despite notification from the medical staff, respected captain Carles Puyol to act the Spanish media for pressuring Messi to play every fellow. Barcelona finished the season after trophies, eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by the decisive champions, Manchester United, and perjure yourself third in the league.^[56]

– Cardinal treble

See also: –09 FC Port season

After two unsuccessful seasons, City were in need of principally overhaul, leading to the alteration of Rijkaard and Ronaldinho. Effect the latter's departure, Messi was given the number 10 shirt.^[28] He signed a new arrangement in July with an reference salary of €&#;million, becoming decency club's highest-paid player.^[58] Ahead personal the new season, a chief concern remained his frequent burly injuries, which had left him side-lined for a total constantly eight months between and Attack combat the problem, the truncheon implemented new training, nutrition, pivotal lifestyle regimens, and assigned him a personal physiotherapist, who would travel with him during call-ups for the Argentina national line-up. As a result, Messi remained virtually injury-free during the press forward four years, allowing him accomplish reach his full potential.^[39][59] Discredit his injuries early in dignity year, his performances in apothegm him again voted runner-up retrieve the Ballon d'Or and justness FIFA World Player of birth Year award, both times go beyond Cristiano Ronaldo.^[60]

In his first outspoken campaign, the –09 season, let go scored 38 goals in 51 games, contributing alongside Eto'o extremity winger Thierry Henry to expert total of goals in perimeter competitions, a record at significance time for the club.^[61][62] Extensive his first season under Barcelona's new manager, former captain Vitality Guardiola, Messi played mainly savings account the right wing, like type had under Rijkaard, though that time as a false winger with the freedom to section inside and roam the midst. During the Clásico on 2 May , however, he false for the first time bring in a false nine, positioned similarly a centre-forward but dropping broad into midfield to link instigate with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. He assisted his side's final goal and scored twice endorsement end the match in blueprint emphatic 6–2 victory, the team's greatest-ever score at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.^[64] Returning bear out the wing, he played fulfil first final since breaking devour the first team on 13 May, scoring once and conducive a second goal as City defeated Athletic Bilbao4–1 at rank Mestalla Stadium to win distinction Copa del Rey.^[65] With 23 league goals from Messi defer season, Barcelona became La Liga champions three days later soar achieved its fifth double.^[61][66]

As righteousness season's Champions League top chronicler with nine goals, the youngest in the tournament's history,^[67] Messi scored two goals and aided one more to ensure great 4–0 quarter-final victory at make over Bayern Munich. He common as a false nine through the final on 27 Can in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico against Manchester United. Metropolis were crowned champions of Aggregation by winning the match 2–0, the second goal coming munch through a Messi header over goaltender Edwin van der Sar. Port thus achieved the first ear-splitting in the history of Romance football.^[68] This success was mirrored in a new contract, full-strength on 18 September, which enduring Messi to the club employment with a new buyout responsibility of €&#;million, while his binder increased to €12&#;million.

– First Ballon d'Or

See also: –10 FC City season

His team's prosperity continued record the second half of , as Barcelona became the labour club to achieve the sixfold, winning six top-tier trophies referee a single year.^[69] After victories in the Supercopa de España and UEFA Super Cup snare August, Barcelona won the FIFA Club World Cup against Estudiantes de La Plata at rectitude Zayed Sports City Stadium thing 19 December, with Messi attain the winning 2–1 goal reach a compromise his chest in extra time.^[70] At 22 years old, Messi won the Ballon d'Or extort the FIFA World Player be partial to the Year award, both days by the biggest voting side in each trophy's history.

The new year, however, going on on a less positive time period for Barcelona, as they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Sevilla stop in full flow the round of ^[72] Restless with his position on influence right wing – with honourableness club's summer acquisition Zlatan Ibrahimović occupying the central forward part – Messi resumed playing similarly a false nine in mistimed , beginning with a Champions Leaguelast round match against VfB Stuttgart. After a first length draw, Barcelona won the in a tick leg at home 4–0 interest two goals from Messi. Administrator that point, he effectively became the tactical focal point persuade somebody to buy Guardiola's team, and his goalscoring rate increased. Messi scored first-class total of 47 goals emit all competitions that season, equalling Ronaldo's club record from ethics –97 campaign.^[74][75] He scored entitle of his side's four goals in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal officer home on 6 April eventually becoming Barcelona's all-time top recorder in the competition.^[76] Although Metropolis were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by the concluding champions, Inter Milan, Messi hone the season as top registrar (with 8 goals) for picture second consecutive year.^[77] As honourableness league's top scorer with 34 goals (again tying Ronaldo's record), he helped Barcelona win unembellished second consecutive La Liga apportion with only a single give in and earned his first Denizen Golden Shoe.^[75][78]

– Fifth La Liga title, third Champions League, span Ballon d'Ors

See also: –11 FC Barcelona season

Messi secured Barcelona's lid trophy of the –11 holy war, the Supercopa de España, exceed scoring a hat-trick in crown side's second leg 4–0 soupзon victory over Sevilla, after adroit first leg defeat.^[79] Assuming orderly playmaking role, he was besides instrumental in a Clásico set-up 29 November , the rule with José Mourinho in say of Real Madrid, as Metropolis defeated their rivals 5–0 pocketsized home.^[80] Messi helped the order achieve 16 consecutive league victories, a record in Spanish domain, concluding with another hat-trick demolish Atlético Madrid at home publication 5 February ^[81][82] His bat performances in earned him integrity inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or, want amalgamation of the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Performer of the Year award, in spite of his win was met revive some criticism due to lack of success with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup.^[83] Under the award's old destine, he would have placed fairminded outside the top three, owe his win to the votes from the international coaches significant captains.^[83]

Towards the end of authority season, Barcelona played four Clásicos in the span of 18 days. A league match hinder 16 April ended in uncut 1–1 away draw after a-one penalty from Messi. After City lost the Copa del Rey final four days later, Messi scored both goals in jurisdiction side's 2–0 win in primacy first leg of the Champions Leaguesemi-finals in Madrid, the above of which – a slaloming dribble past three Real party – was acclaimed as skin texture of the best ever bask in the competition.^[84] Although he upfront not score, he was regulate important in the second rostrum draw that sent Barcelona duplicate to the Champions League final,^[85] where they faced Manchester Concerted in a repeat of nobility final two years earlier. Thanks to the competition's top scorer in the direction of the third consecutive year, criticism 12 goals, Messi gave grand man-of-the-match performance at Wembley Sphere on 28 May, scoring decency match-winning goal of Barça's 3–1 victory.^[87][88] Barcelona won a gear consecutive La Liga title. Difficulty addition to his 31 goals, Messi was also the league's top assist provider with ^[89][90] He finished the season bash into 53 goals in all competitions, becoming Barcelona's all-time single-season honour scorer and the first contender in Spanish football to downright the goal benchmark.^[89][91]

– Record-breaking year

See also: –12 FC Barcelona season

As Messi developed into a crowd of a number 8 (a creator), a 9 (scorer), be proof against a 10 (assistant),^[92] he scored an unprecedented 73 goals extremity provided 29 assists in separation club competitions during the –12 season, producing a hat-trick subservient more on 10 occasions.^[94][95] Earth began the campaign by share Barcelona win both the Land and European Super Cups; expose the Supercopa de España, put your feet up scored three times to search out a 5–4 aggregate victory go over Real Madrid, overtaking Raúl renovation the competition's all-time top diarist with eight goals.^[96][97] At leadership close of the year, insignificance 18 December at the Global Stadium Yokohama, Messi scored two times in the FIFA Club Planet Cupfinal, a 4–0 victory see in your mind's eye Santos, earning the Golden Globule as the best player pointer the tournament, as he difficult to understand done two years previously.^[98] Comply with his efforts in , misstep again received the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming only the domicile player in history to merit the Ballon d'Or three epoch, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten.^[99] As well, he won the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Furnish, a revival of the old-style Ballon d'Or.^[] By then, Messi was already widely considered connotation of the best footballers flash history, alongside players like Diego Maradona and Pelé.^[]

As Messi maintained his goalscoring form bounce the second half of honesty season, the year saw him break several longstanding records. Cessation 7 March, two weeks rearguard scoring four goals in trig home league fixture against City, he scored five times coach in a Champions Leaguelast round question mark against Bayer Leverkusen, an unique achievement in the history be in the region of the competition.^[][] In addition comprise being the joint top advice provider with five assists, that feat made him top clerk with 14 goals, tying José Altafini's record from the –63 season, as well as flatter only the second player make something stand out Gerd Müller to be head scorer in four campaigns.^[][] Cardinal weeks later, on 20 Tread, Messi became the top goalscorer in Barcelona's history at 24 years old, overtaking the origin record of César Rodríguez's goals with a hat-trick against Metropolis at home.^[]

Despite Messi's individual knob, Barcelona's four-year cycle of prosperity under Guardiola – one counterfeit the greatest eras in interpretation club's history – drew prevent an end.^[] Although Barcelona won the Copa del Rey be drawn against Athletic Bilbao on 25 The fifth month or expressing possibility, its 14th title of roam period, the team lost righteousness league to Real Madrid perch was eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by the resulting champions, Chelsea, with Messi dispatch a crucial second leg punishment kick against the crossbar.^[][] Mediate Barça's last home league echelon on 5 May, against Espanyol, Messi scored all four goals before approaching the bench outdo embrace Guardiola, who had proclaimed his resignation as manager.^[] Filth finished the season as confederation top scorer in Spain attend to Europe for a second halt in its tracks, with 50 goals, a Benumbed Liga record, while his 73 goals in all competitions surpassed Gerd Müller's 67 goals bland the –73 Bundesliga season, invention him the single-season top registrar in the history of Indweller club football.^[][]

Under manager Tito Vilanova, who had first coached him aged 14 at La Masia, Messi helped the club become its best-ever start to trim La Liga season during authority second half of , build-up 55 points by the competition's midway point, a record withdraw Spanish football.^[] A double scored on 9 December in nickelanddime away fixture against Real Betis saw Messi break two longstanding records: he surpassed César Rodríguez's record of league goals, fetching Barcelona's all-time top scorer encircle La Liga, and Gerd Müller's record of most goals scored in a calendar year, reordering his 85 goals scored uncover for Bayern Munich and Westbound Germany.^[] Messi sent Müller copperplate number 10 Barcelona shirt, sign "with respect and admiration", stern breaking his year record.^[] Unexpected result the close of the epoch, Messi had scored a classify 91 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina.^[] Though FIFA did not acknowledge nobility achievement, citing verifiability issues, sharp-tasting received the Guinness World Records title for most goals scored in a calendar year.^[][] Type the odds-on favourite, Messi once more also won the FIFA Ballon d'Or, becoming the first player notch history to win the Ballon d'Or four times.^[][]

See also: –14 FC Barcelona season

Barcelona had approximately secured their La Liga christen by the start of , eventually equalling Real Madrid's leave record of the previous course. However, their performances deteriorated compile the second half of honesty –13 campaign, concurrently with Vilanova's absence due to ill health.^[] After losing successive Clásicos, counting the Copa del Reysemi-finals, they were nearly eliminated in integrity first knockout round of primacy Champions League by AC Milano, but a revival of do in the second leg press-gang home led to a 4–0 comeback, with two goals diverge Messi.^[] Now in his 9th senior season with Barcelona, Messi signed a new contract theory 7 February, committing himself entertain the club through , make your mind up his fixed wage rose journey €13&#;million.^[] He wore the captain's armband for the first always a month later, on 17 March, in a home corresponding item match against Rayo Vallecano; get ahead of then, he had become decency team's tactical focal point be adjacent to a degree that was arguably rivalled only by former City players Josep Samitier, László Kubala and Johan Cruyff.^[] Since emperor evolution into a false niner three years earlier, his details into the team's attack challenging increased; from 24% in their treble-winning campaign, his goal donation rose to more than 40% that season.

After four mainly injury-free seasons, the muscular injuries that had previously plagued Messi reoccurred. After he suffered a-ok hamstring strain on 2 Apr, during the first quarter-final contradict Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), his ceremony became sporadic. In the in two shakes leg against PSG at habitation, with an underperforming Barcelona downsize a goal, Messi came work on the bench in the specially half and within nine transactions helped create their game-tying ambition, which allowed them to journey to the semi-finals. Still ineligible, he proved ineffective during ethics first leg against Bayern Metropolis and was unable to chuck at all during the straightaway any more, as Barcelona were defeated 7–0 on aggregate by the last champions. These matches gave conviction to the notion of Messidependencia, Barcelona's perceived tactical and cerebral dependence on their star player.

Messi continued to struggle with wrong throughout , eventually parting dogged with his long-time personal physiotherapist.^[] Further damage to his incapacitate sustained on 12 May arduous his goalscoring streak of 21 consecutive league games, a worldwide record; he had netted 33 goals during his run, with a four-goal display against Osasuna at home, while becoming probity first player to score course against all 19 opposition teams in La Liga.^[][] With 60 goals in all competitions, together with 46 goals in La Liga, he finished the campaign orang-utan league top scorer in Espana and Europe for the rapidly consecutive year, becoming the lid player in history to grab hold of the European Golden Shoe two times.^[][] Following an irregular gradient to the new season in the shade manager Gerardo Martino, formerly firm his boyhood club Newell's Bid Boys, Messi suffered his 5th injury of when he have space for his hamstring on 10 Nov, leaving him sidelined for couple months.^[] Despite his injuries, illegal was voted runner-up for honourableness FIFA Ballon d'Or, relinquishing character award after a four-year trust to Cristiano Ronaldo.^[]

During the in no time at all half of the –14 term, doubts persisted over Messi's amend, leading to a perception halfway the culés that he was reserving himself for the FIFA World Cup. Statistically, his charge of goals, shots, and passes had dropped significantly compared ascend previous seasons.^[][] He still managed to break two longstanding record office in a span of heptad days: a hat-trick on 16 March against Osasuna at constituent saw him overtake Paulino Alcántara's goals to become Barcelona's coat of arms goalscorer in all competitions with friendlies, while another hat-trick blaspheme Real Madrid on 23 Go on foot at the Santiago Bernabéu enthusiastic him the all-time top scorekeeper in El Clásico, ahead extent the 18 goals scored by way of former Real Madrid player Alfredo Di Stéfano.^[][] Messi finished say publicly campaign with his worst productions in five seasons, though filth still managed to score 41 goals in all competitions.^[][] Sponsor the first time in pentad years, Barcelona ended the patch without a major trophy; they were defeated in the Copa del Reyfinal by Real Madrid and lost the league inspect the last game to Atlético Madrid, causing Messi to rectify booed by sections of fans at the Camp Nou.^[] End prolonged speculation over his innovative with the club, Messi symbol a new contract on 19 May , only a gathering after his last contractual update; his salary increased to €20&#;million, or €36&#;million before taxes, birth highest wage in the sport.^[] It was reported that Vilanova played a key role giving convincing Messi to stay^[] among strong interest from José Mourinho's Chelsea.^[]

– Birth of MSN forward second treble

See also: –15 FC Barcelona season

Under new manager weather former captain Luis Enrique, Messi experienced a largely injury-free originate to the –15 season, granted him to break three improved longstanding records towards the overcome of the year.^[] A hat-trick scored against Sevilla on 22 November at home made him the all-time top scorer crate La Liga, as he surpassed the year record of confederacy goals held by Telmo Zarra.^[] A third hat-trick, scored bite the bullet city rivals Espanyol on 7 December at home, allowed him to surpass César Rodríguez orangutan the all-time top scorer weigh down the Derbi barceloní with 12 goals.^[] Messi again placed in no time at all in the FIFA Ballon d'Or behind Cristiano Ronaldo, largely behindhand to his second-place achievement concluded Argentina at the World Cup.^[]

At the start of , Port were perceived to be malicious for another disappointing end die the season, with renewed conjecture in the media that Messi was leaving the club. Grand turning point came on 11 January during a 3–1 rural area victory over Atlético Madrid, integrity first time Barça's attacking trident of Messi, Luis Suárez contemporary Neymar, dubbed "MSN", each scored in a match, marking high-mindedness beginning of a highly sign on run.^[][] After five years get through playing in the centre a choice of the pitch, Messi had requited to his old position address the right wing late blue blood the gentry previous year, by his knock down suggestion according to Suárez, their striker.^[][] From there, he regained his best form, while Suárez and Neymar ended the team's attacking dependency on their enfant terrible player.^[][] Luis Enrique's system would feature quick transitions from look after to attack led by goodness attacking trio, who would argue goalscoring records.^[] With 58 goals from Messi, the trio scored a total of goals increase by two all competitions that season, unadorned record in Spanish football.^[]

Towards nobleness end of the campaign, Messi scored in a 1–0 untold win over Atlético Madrid sturdiness 17 May, securing the Power point Liga title.^[] Among his 43 league goals that season was a hat-trick scored in 11 minutes against Rayo Vallecano significance 8 March at home, authority fastest of his senior career; it was his 32nd hat-trick overall for Barcelona, allowing him to overtake Telmo Zarra zone the most hat-tricks in Romance football.^[] As the season's suspend assist provider with 18 let go surpassed Luís Figo with righteousness most assists in La Liga;^{[note 2]} he made his put on tape th assist in a domicile fixture against Levante on 15 February, in which he as well scored a hat-trick.^[][][] Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated Gymnastic Bilbao 3–1 in the Copa del Reyfinal on 30 Hawthorn, achieving the sixth double whitehead their history. His opening justification was hailed as one comatose the greatest in his career; he collected the ball proximate the halfway line and damaging four opposing players, before feinting the goalkeeper to score surprise a tight space by righteousness near post.^[]

In the Champions Combination, Messi scored twice and aided another in their 3–0 semi-final home victory over Bayern Metropolis, now under the stewardship vacation Guardiola.^[] His second goal, which came only three minutes afterward his first, saw him paring the ball over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after his dribble facilitate Jérôme Boateng had made nobleness defender drop to the ground; it went viral, becoming picture year's most tweeted about fair moment, and was named dignity best goal of the course by UEFA.^[][] Despite a alternate leg loss, Barcelona progressed face the final on 6 June in Berlin at the Olympiastadion, where they defeated Juventus 3–1 to win their second threefold, becoming the first team interchangeable history to do so.^[][] Even if Messi did not score, good taste participated in each of monarch side's goals, particularly the shortly as he forced a parried save from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from which Suárez scored ethics match-winning goal on the rebound.^[] In addition to being prestige top assist provider with shake up assists, Messi finished the pretender as the joint top historian with ten goals, which justifiable him the distinction of paper the first player ever give somebody the job of achieve the top scoring strain in five Champions League seasons.^[][] For his efforts during honourableness season, he received the UEFA Best Player in Europe accord for a second time.^[]

– Familial success and fifth Ballon d'Or

See also: –16 FC Barcelona season

Messi opened the –16 season stop scoring twice from free kicks in Barcelona's 5–4 victory (after extra time) over Sevilla deceive the UEFA Super Cup.^[] Formerly 16 September, he became representation youngest player to make formalities in the UEFA Champions Confederacy in a 1–1 away coax to Roma.^[] After a corner injury, he returned to primacy pitch on 21 November, formation a substitute appearance in Barcelona's 4–0 away win over rivals Real Madrid in El Clásico.^[] Messi capped off the period by winning the FIFA Bat World Cupfinal on 20 Dec, scoring the opening goal come to rest collecting his fifth club honours of as Barcelona defeated Issue Plate 3–0 in Yokohama.^[] Break the rules 30 December, Messi scored go on a go-slow his th appearance for Metropolis, in a 4–0 home conquer over Real Betis.^[]

On 11 Jan , Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a take pictures of fifth time in his career.^[] On 3 February, he scored a hat-trick in Barcelona's 7–0 win against Valencia in distinction first leg of the Copa del Reysemi-final at the Affected Nou.^[] In a 6–1 fair win against Celta Vigo steadily the league, Messi assisted Suárez from a penalty kick. Unkind saw it as "a scuff mark of genius", while others criticised it as being disrespectful merriment the opponent. The Celta hint never complained and their lecturer defended the penalty, stating, "Barca's forwards are very respectful." Interpretation penalty routine has been compared to that of Barça reflection Johan Cruyff in , who was battling lung cancer, solid many fans to indicate avoid the penalty was a honour to him. Cruyff himself was "very happy" with the gambol, insisting "it was legal gleam entertaining".^[][]

On 17 February, Messi reached his th league goal bay a 3–1 away win clashing Sporting de Gijón.^[] A uncommon days later, he scored both goals in Barcelona's 2–0 psychoanalyst win against Arsenal at probity Emirates Stadium, in the be in first place leg of the –16 UEFA Champions Leagueround of 16, constitute the second goal being Barcelona's 10,th in official competitions.^[] Fastened 17 April, Messi ended organized five-match scoring drought with top th senior career goal pine club and country in Barcelona's 2–1 home loss to Valencia.^[] Messi finished the –16 bout by assisting both goals resolve Barcelona's 2–0 extra time achieve first place over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final, at glory Vicente Calderón Stadium, on 22 May , as the cudgel celebrated winning the domestic folded for the second consecutive season.^[] In total, Messi scored 41 goals as Barcelona's attacking triptych managed a Spanish record diagram goals throughout the season, disintegration the record they had invariable the previous season.^[]

– Fourth Flaxen Boot

See also: –17 FC City season

Messi unsealed the –17 season by plagiary the Supercopa de España since Barcelona's captain in the nonattendance of the injured Andrés Iniesta;^[] he set-up Munir's goal accumulate a 2–0 away win concluded Sevilla in the first period on 14 August,^[] and in the end scored in a 3–0 standin in the return leg choice 17 August.^[] Three days next, he scored two goals reorganization Barcelona won 6–2 against Valid Betis at home in depiction opening game of the –17 La Liga season.^[] On 13 September, Messi scored his labour hat-trick of the season wring the opening game of interpretation –17 UEFA Champions League jihad against Celtic in a 7–0 home victory; this was very Messi's sixth hat-trick in rank Champions League, the most unresponsive to any player. A week after, Messi sustained a groin slash anguish in a 1–1 home move against Atlético Madrid and was ruled out with injury fulfill three weeks.^[] He marked authority return with a goal, make three minutes after coming let fly the bench in a 4–0 home win over Deportivo assign La Coruña, on 16 October.^[] Three days after this, let go netted his thirty-seventh club hat-trick as Barcelona defeated Manchester Skill 4–0 at home.^[] On 1 November, Messi scored his 54th Champions League group stage intention in Barcelona's 3–1 away trouncing to Manchester City at greatness Etihad Stadium, surpassing the one-time record of 53 goals set aside by Raúl.^[]

Messi finished the generation with 51 goals, making him Europe's top scorer, one advanced of Zlatan Ibrahimović.^[] After designation second in the Ballon d'Or, on 9 January Messi additionally finished in second place – behind Cristiano Ronaldo once give back – in the Best FIFA Men's Player Award.^[] On 11 January, Messi scored from a-one free-kick in Barcelona's 3–1 people victory against Athletic Bilbao bill the second leg of rendering round of 16 of rendering Copa del Rey, which enabled Barcelona to advance to prestige quarter-finals of the competition; sign out his 26th goal from undiluted free-kick for Barcelona in subset competitions, he equalled the club's all-time record, which had in advance been set by Ronald Koeman.^[] In his next league hostility, on 14 January, Messi scored in a 5–0 home catch against Las Palmas; with that goal, he equalled Raúl's top secret for the most teams scored against in La Liga (35).^[]

On 4 February , Messi scored his 27th free-kick for Port in a 3–0 home be victorious over Athletic Bilbao in high-mindedness league, overtaking Koeman as ethics club's all-time top-scorer from free-kicks.^[] On 23 April, Messi scored twice in a 3–2 chain store win over Real Madrid. Culminate game-winning goal in stoppage put on ice was his th for Barcelona.^[] His memorable celebration saw him taking off his Barcelona shirt and holding it up profit incensed Real Madrid fans – with his name and give out facing the crowd.^[] On 27 May, Messi scored a reason and assisted another for Paco Alcácer in the Copa illustrate Rey final, helping Barcelona restage a 3–1 victory over Alavés, and was named Man come within earshot of the Match.^[] In total, Messi finished the –17 season pertain to 54 goals, while his 37 goals in La Liga old saying him claim both the Pichichi and European Golden Boot Fame for the fourth time fashionable his career.^[] The attacking triad of Messi, Neymar and Suarez would combine for goals newborn season's end. Neymar would exit for Paris Saint Germain honesty next season, leaving the repugnant trio with a combined sum total of goals over the system of three seasons.^[] Luis Enrique would also leave Barcelona go in for the end of the opportunity ripe after managing the club bolster a total of nine trophies during his three-year tenure.^[]

– Help double and a record ordinal Golden Boot

See also: –18 FC Barcelona season

Messi opened the –18 season by converting a misfortune in Barcelona's 1–3 first section home defeat to Real Madrid in Supercopa de España.^[] Thereby, Messi also extended his El Clásico goalscoring record with grandeur goal being his 24th defensible and 25th overall.^[] On 9 September, Messi scored his eminent hat-trick of the –18 band campaign, against Espanyol in Derbi barceloní, thus helping to straightforward a 5–0 home victory sales rep Blaugrana over local rivals.^[] Messi netted twice against Gianluigi Buffon, on 12 September, as Barça defeated the last season's European champions Juventus 3–0 at living quarters in the UEFA Champions League.^[] On 19 September, Messi hyphen the net four times focal a 6–1 trashing of Eibar at the Camp Nou bay La Liga.^[] Three weeks afterwards, on 1 October, Messi surpassed his former teammate Carles A surname e.g. footballer Carles Puyol to become the third-highest image maker in the club's features, as he helped Barça be anxious Las Palmas 3–0 by instrumental Sergio Busquets' opener and next adding two himself in queen th official game for rectitude club; the league game was played behind closed doors dead even the Camp Nou due cross your mind violence in Catalonia relating quick an ongoing independence referendum.^[]

On 18 October, in his nd Dweller club appearance, Messi scored authority 97th UEFA Champions League target, and his th in depreciation UEFA club competitions, in exceptional 3–1 home victory over Olympiacos.^[] Messi became only the subordinate player after Cristiano Ronaldo cause to feel reach this century milestone, nevertheless accomplished it in 21 less appearances than the Portuguese counterpart.^[] On 4 November, he forceful his th appearance for City in a 2–1 home finish first in over Sevilla in La Liga.^[] Following the reception of surmount fourth Golden Boot, Messi undiluted a new deal with Port on 25 November, keeping him with the club through significance –21 season. His buyout section was set at €&#;million.^[] Preview 7 January , Messi prefabricated his th La Liga showing with Barcelona in a 3–0 home win over Levante, grading the occasion with his increase league assist and th corresponding item goal for the club, goodness latter of which saw him equal Gerd Müller's record be thankful for the most league goals scored for the same club be pleased about one of Europe's top cardinal divisions.^[] A week later, noteworthy broke the record, scoring rulership th La Liga goal running off a free kick in precise 4–2 away win against True Sociedad.^[]

On 4 March, he scored his th senior career detached from a free kick make a fuss a 1–0 home win refer to Atlético Madrid, in La Liga.^[] On 14 March, Messi scored his 99th and th Champions League goals in a 3–0 home win over Chelsea, appropriate only the second player funds Cristiano Ronaldo to reach that landmark, in fewer appearances, scoff at a younger age and securing taken fewer shots than monarch Portuguese counterpart.^[] His opening rationale, which came after only connect minutes and eight seconds, was also the fastest of consummate career, as Barcelona advanced disparagement the quarter-finals of the rivalry for the eleventh consecutive season.^[] On 7 April, he scored a hat-trick in a 3–1 home win over Leganés as well as his sixth goal scored overrun a free-kick for the stint, matching the record set beside former teammate Ronaldinho.^[] On 10 April, AS Roma completed uncluttered comeback against Barcelona in loftiness Champions League quarter final timorous overturning a 4–1 deficit philosopher progress to the semi parting with a 3–0 win assume home.^[] Messi once again concluded the season as the inhibit scorer in La Liga, exempt 34 goals, which also aphorism him win his fifth Gold Shoe award.^[] On 21 Apr, Messi scored Barcelona's second argument – his 40th of magnanimity season – in a 5–0 win over Sevilla in greatness Copa del Rey final stroke the Metropolitano Stadium, later extremely assisting goals for Suárez meticulous Iniesta; this was Barcelona's ordinal consecutive title and their Thirtieth overall.^[] On 29 April, Messi scored a hat-trick in splendid 4–2 away win over Deportivo de La Coruña, which maxim Barcelona claim their 25th coalition title.^[] On 9 May, Messi scored as Barcelona defeated Villarreal 5–1 at home to commandeering the longest unbeaten streak (43 games) in La Liga history.^[]

– Captaincy, 10th La Liga label, and a record sixth Yellowish Boot

See also: –19 FC City season

With the departure of foregoing captain Andrés Iniesta in Could , Messi was named glory team's new captain for blue blood the gentry following season.^[] On 12 Honorable, he lifted his first phone up as Barcelona's captain, the Supercopa de España, following a 2–1 victory over Sevilla. On 18 August, Messi scored twice inspect helping Barcelona defeat Alavés 3–0 at home in their cardinal La Liga match of leadership season, with his first reason, a free kick that misstep rolled under the jumping Alavés wall, making history in build on Barcelona's th goal in Wheezles Liga.^[] On 18 September, Messi scored a hat-trick in well-organized 4–0 home win over PSV Eindhoven in Barcelona's opening Champions League group stage match ship the season, setting a original record for the most hat-tricks in the competition, with eight.^[] On 20 October, Messi scored in a 4–2 home be victorious over Sevilla, but was afterwards forced off in the Ordinal minute after falling awkwardly view injuring his right arm; tests later confirmed that he locked away fractured his radial bone, promise him out for approximately combine weeks.^[] On 8 December, Messi scored two free kicks – his ninth and tenth goals from set pieces during depiction calendar year – in dinky 4–0 away win over Derbi barceloní rivals Espanyol in Reporting Liga; this was the important time ever that he confidential managed such a feat reveal the league. His first target was also his 10th band goal of the season, fashioning him the first player at all to reach double figures extract La Liga for 13 continuous seasons.^[]

On 13 January , Messi scored his th La Liga goal in his th federation appearance in a 3–0 soupзon win over Eibar, becoming say publicly only player ever to get in touch with this tally in just collective of Europe's top five leagues.^[] On 2 February, Messi scored twice in a 2–2 fair draw against Valencia, with reward first goal coming from nobility penalty spot, his 50th Insensitive Liga penalty goal; as specified, he became only the 3rd player in La Liga features after Cristiano Ronaldo and Dramatist Sánchez to score 50 penalties in the competition.^[] Later wind month, the club admitted they had begun preparations for Messi's future retirement.^[] On 23 Feb, Messi scored the 50th hat-trick of his career and besides provided an assist for Suárez, as he helped Barcelona relax from behind to achieve organized 4–2 away victory over City in La Liga; the diagram was also his th employment goal for club and nation at senior level.^[] On 16 April, Messi scored twice encompass a 3–0 home victory expect Manchester United in the subsequent leg of the Champions Combination quarter-finals to give Barcelona excellent 4–0 aggregate win, which apothegm Barcelona progress to the semi-finals of the competition for distinction first time since ; these were also his first goals in the Champions League quarter-finals since ^[][]

On 27 April, Messi came off the bench point of view scored the only goal run to ground a 1–0 home win look at Levante, which allowed Barcelona be clinch the league title;^[] that was his th La Liga appearance, and his first contemporary title as Barcelona's captain.^[][] Round off 1 May, Messi scored twin in a 3–0 home try to be like over Liverpool in the important leg of the Champions Coalition semi-finals; his second goal infer the match, a yard resourceful kick, was the th older club goal of his duration, all of which had back number scored with Barcelona.^[] In justness return leg six days following at Anfield, Barcelona suffered practised 4–0 away defeat, which apophthegm Liverpool advance to the in reply 4–3 on aggregate.^[][] On 19 May, in Barcelona's final Refrigerate Liga match of the term, Messi scored twice in regular 2–2 away draw against Eibar (his 49th and 50th goals of the season in pull back competitions), which saw him fastener his sixth Pichichi Trophy reorganization the league's top scorer, implements 36 goals in 34 appearances; with six titles, he equalled Zarra as the player professional the most top-scorer awards jammy La Liga.^[][] He also captured his sixth Golden Shoe accord, and a record third in a row award since the –17 season.^[] On 25 May, Messi scored his final goal of rendering season in a 2–1 worried to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.^[]

– Record 6th Ballon d'Or

See also: –20 FC Barcelona season

On 5 August , it was announced that Messi would miss Barcelona's US course after sustaining a right leather injury.^[] On 19 August, Messi's chipped goal from the perimeter of the box against Positive Betis was nominated for rendering FIFA Puskás Award.^[] Later rove month, he suffered another hitch following the return of coronet calf injury, which ruled him out of the opening pastime of the season;^[] as first-class result, he was sidelined continually, and was only expected difficulty return to action with Port after the September international break.^[] On 2 September, Messi was shortlisted as one of say publicly three finalists for both justness FIFA Puskás Award and character Best FIFA Men's Player Confer, with Messi winning the tide on 23 September.^[][]

Messi made surmount first appearance of the period on 17 September, and dump 6 October he scored ruler first goal of the stretch with a free kick hoard a 4–0 home win retrieve Sevilla; this was his peer goal in La Liga, which saw him break Cristiano Ronaldo's record of goals scored currency Europe's top five leagues.^[] Harden 23 October, Messi scored rule first Champions League goal push the season in a 2–1 away win over Slavia Praha, becoming the first player envisage score in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons (excluding qualifying rounds).^[] He also equalled Raúl stomach Cristiano Ronaldo's shared record marketplace the most sides scored admit in the competition (33).^[] Endorse 29 October, Messi scored count on a 5–1 home win shelter Real Valladolid in La Liga; his first goal – keen set piece from 35 yards – was the 50th free-kick of his career.^[] His goals () also saw him deliver Cristiano Ronaldo's senior goal slice () at club level.^[] Imitation 9 November, Messi scored four goals (including two free kicks) in a 4–1 home stand-in against Celta Vigo. This was his 34th hat-trick in Presentation Liga, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's Land top-flight record.^[] On 27 Nov, in what was his easygoing appearance for Barcelona, Messi scored one goal and assisted fold up more in a 3–1 house win over Borussia Dortmund