For the analysts who live by xG (expected goals) and progressive passes, Messi still rules. The numbers are absurd to the point of parody.

: In 2024, he led Argentina to a record-breaking 16th Copa América title , their second consecutive win in that tournament. This completed a historic run of four consecutive major international trophies (Copa América 2021, Finalissima 2022, World Cup 2022, and Copa América 2024).

It is a testament to the character often overlooked by his critics that Messi did not succumb to this fate. His father’s tireless efforts and a gamble by FC Barcelona—who agreed to pay for his medical treatment in exchange for his signature—changed the course of history. When a 13-year-old Messi arrived in Catalonia, he carried with him the hopes of a family and the raw potential of a generational talent.

He gave us the goal against Getafe. He gave us the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United. He gave us the free-kick against Liverpool that made Anfield applaud the opponent. He gave us the pass to Di María in the 2022 World Cup final. He gave us the shirt-clean penalty in the shootout.

Lionel Messi is officially in a league of his own. 🇦🇷✨ 900+ Career Goals (reached in 2026) 8x Ballon d’Or winner (Record) Most decorated player in history (47+ trophies) World Cup & 2x Copa América MLS Cup Champion 2x MLS MVP (2024, 2025)

Lionel Messi- The Greatest Jun 2026

For the analysts who live by xG (expected goals) and progressive passes, Messi still rules. The numbers are absurd to the point of parody.

: In 2024, he led Argentina to a record-breaking 16th Copa América title , their second consecutive win in that tournament. This completed a historic run of four consecutive major international trophies (Copa América 2021, Finalissima 2022, World Cup 2022, and Copa América 2024). Lionel Messi- The Greatest

It is a testament to the character often overlooked by his critics that Messi did not succumb to this fate. His father’s tireless efforts and a gamble by FC Barcelona—who agreed to pay for his medical treatment in exchange for his signature—changed the course of history. When a 13-year-old Messi arrived in Catalonia, he carried with him the hopes of a family and the raw potential of a generational talent. For the analysts who live by xG (expected

He gave us the goal against Getafe. He gave us the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United. He gave us the free-kick against Liverpool that made Anfield applaud the opponent. He gave us the pass to Di María in the 2022 World Cup final. He gave us the shirt-clean penalty in the shootout. This completed a historic run of four consecutive

Lionel Messi is officially in a league of his own. 🇦🇷✨ 900+ Career Goals (reached in 2026) 8x Ballon d’Or winner (Record) Most decorated player in history (47+ trophies) World Cup & 2x Copa América MLS Cup Champion 2x MLS MVP (2024, 2025)