Ranking Lionel Messi's career-defining moments to date
What's the story
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is considered one of the modern GOATs of football. Having made a name and career for himself, playing at Barcelona, Messi has achieved almost everything in his career to date, as he continues to scale greater heights with each passing game he plays. Nonetheless, we take a look at some of his career-defining moments to date.
Barca debut
His debut for Barcelona
Making a debut for any club is an honor for a player, especially if it happens to be his/her first senior club. Messi made his senior debut with Barcelona C in November 2003, as he impressed everyone with his performance, which included two promising chances and a shot on goal. This allowed him to train regularly with the senior side, thus beginning his journey.
Maiden goal
His maiden goal for Barca
As special making a debut for a club is, it is even special scoring the maiden goal for the club. Messi made his proper senior debut in October 2004, and it was in May 2005, when he scored his opening goal for the club, against Albacete, following an assist from Ronaldinho. He had then become the youngest goal-scorer for the club.
Olympic gold
Winning the Olympic gold with Argentina
While it might not be the same as winning the FIFA World Cup, winning the Olympic gold, too, is an honor and a prestigious silverware. Three years later, since scoring his maiden goal for Barca and Argentina, Messi was a regular for the Argentine side as he led the team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which Argentina won. Notably, he was the stand-out performer.
Maiden Ballon d'Or
Winning his maiden Ballon d'Or
Every footballer craves to be known as the best and vies to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the best footballer. Messi did not have to wait long as he was so lethal with his form that he helped Barcelona become the first team to register a sextuple. Owing to his flawless goal-scoring form, he was awarded his maiden Ballon D'Or in 2009.
Second UCL title
Winning his second UEFA Champions League
Messi was destined to help Barca win multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. However, his real test came following his maiden UCL win in 2005-06, as he wanted to prove that he could be a genuine winner for the side. During the 2008-09 edition, he did not just score the winner in the final, but also finished as the top goal-scorer.