[572], As a commercial entity, Messi's marketing brand has been based exclusively on his talents and achievements as a player, in contrast to arguably more glamorous players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. [434], Following on from their poor qualification campaign, expectations were not high going into the 2018 World Cup, with the team, without an injured Messi, losing 61 to Spain in March 2018. His style of play as a diminutive, left-footed dribbler drew comparisons with his compatriot Diego Maradona, who described Messi as his successor. ", "Lionel Messi y el ttulo de Argentina en la Copa Amrica 2021: "Necesitaba sacarme la espina", "Valdano: 'Messi Es Maradona Todos Los Das', "Menotti: 'Messi Est al Nivel del Mejor Maradona Que Vi', "Lionel Messi Is Not the New Maradona He Can Be Better than That", "Tim Vickery: Lionel Messi can now be recognised alongside Diego Maradona by Argentinians", "Lionel Messi Vomits Because of Nerves, Says Argentina's Alejandro Sabella", "Diego Maradona: Lionel Messi lacks the leadership needed to carry a team", "Maradona vs. Messi: A Laughable Comparison", "Lionel Messi: Is Barcelona forward really cut out for captaincy? ", Messi reversing his decision from retiring on 12 August 2016[426], Just a week after Messi announced his international retirement, Argentine newspaper La Nacin reported that he was reconsidering playing for Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September. [172][173] With 58 goals from Messi, the trio scored a total of 122 goals in all competitions that season, a record in Spanish football. Ranking the 10 greatest football players of all time. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona. [30][38] His progress was reflected in his first professional contract, signed on 4 February 2004, which lasted until 2012 and contained an initial buyout clause of 30million. Messi's absence from the national team and his continued failure to win a title with Argentina prompted speculation in the media that Messi might retire from international football once again. [40] Physically he was weaker than his opponents, who were often much older and taller, and in training he worked on increasing his muscle mass and overall strength in order to be able to shake off defenders. Messi missed the start of 2022 after contracting COVID during the winter break. [63] His growing importance to the club was reflected in a new contract, signed that month, which greatly increased his wages. [300] On 17 December, Messi finished third in The Best FIFA Men's Player award behind Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo, and was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourteenth consecutive year. 2. [339], After adjusting to his new surroundings and settling in Paris, under new coach Christophe Galtier, Messi returned to his preferred free attacking role; being placed in his favoured position as the playmaker behind two strikers, in a attacking trident with Neymar and Kylian Mbapp, quickly regaining his form from his previous season by starting off the new season on 31 July by scoring PSG's first goal in a 40 victory over Nantes in the Trophe des Champions, winning his second trophy with PSG. He appeared to score a goal, but it was contentiously ruled offside, with the team needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. His landmark season led to his being named the 2012 world player of the year, which made Messi the first player to win the honour four times. No, the club is bigger than any manager, than any player except Leo. [396] At the conclusion of the final, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament. [308], On 17 April, Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 40 in the 2021 Copa del Rey Final. In February 2020, he was awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, thus becoming the first footballer and the first team-sport athlete to win the award. [239], With the departure of former captain Andrs Iniesta in May 2018, Messi was named the team's new captain for the following season. As he lacked the stamina of his teammates, the result of his former growth hormone deficiency, he was used as a substitute in six of the nine games. Indeed, while he was injury-prone in his early career, he was later able to improve his injury record by running less off the ball, and by adopting a stricter diet, training regime, and sleep schedule. [629][630] In February 2021, Messi donated to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya his Adidas shoes which he wore when he scored his 644th goal for Barcelona and broke Pel's record for most goals scored for a single club; the shoes were later auctioned off in April by the museum for charity to help children with cancer and were sold for 125,000. [231] A week later, he broke the record, scoring his 366th La Liga goal from a free kick in a 42 away win against Real Sociedad. [218] On 27 May, Messi scored a goal and set up another for Paco Alccer in the 2017 Copa del Rey Final, helping Barcelona to a 31 victory over Alavs, and was named Man of the Match. During the 200910 season Messi scored 34 goals in domestic games as Barcelona repeated as La Liga champions. It means there are essentially two separate awards for players hoping to be named the worlds footballer of the year. [52] He signed a new contract in July with an annual salary of 7.8million, becoming the club's highest-paid player. Yet that has absolutely no bearing on his undeniable talents from open play and free-kicks. He is the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands national team. [296] On 20 October, Messi scored a penalty in a 51 home victory against Ferencvros in the Champions League, becoming the first player in history to score in sixteen consecutive Champions League seasons. He played on Argentinas victorious 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship squad, represented the country in the 2006 World Cup, and scored two goals in five matches as Argentina swept to the gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He has said: "Argentina is my country, my family, my way of expressing myself. [370] Their unexpected loss was followed by much criticism in Argentina, though Messi was mostly exempt due to his young age and secondary status to star player Juan Romn Riquelme. Daily Football Player Guessing Game, come find today's mystery player! Barcelona were crowned champions of Europe by winning the match 20, the second goal coming from a Messi header over goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Kevin De Bruyne, one . [480][481] In the quarter-final against the Netherlands, Messi assisted Argentina's first goal for Nahuel Molina with a reverse pass and then scored a penalty as the game finished 22 after extra time. Messi relocated to Spain from Argentina aged 13 to join Barcelona, for whom he made his competitive debut aged 17 in October 2004. In 2014 Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final, which Argentina lost, but Messi won the Golden Ball award as the tournaments best player. Barcelona thus achieved the first treble in the history of Spanish football. [201] In total, Messi scored 41 goals as Barcelona's attacking trio managed a Spanish record of 131 goals throughout the season, breaking the record they had set the previous season. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules . [237] On 29 April, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 42 away win over Deportivo de La Corua, which saw Barcelona claim their 25th league title. [226], On 18 October, in his 122nd European club appearance, Messi scored his 97th UEFA Champions League goal, and his 100th in all UEFA club competitions, in a 31 home victory over Olympiacos. During the 2016 Copa Amrica Centenario tournament, he netted his 55th international goal to break Gabriel Batistutas Argentine scoring record. "Refs couldn't save Pessi; Worth almost 2b and still they play sh*t"- Fans troll PSG and Lionel Messi following Champions League R-16 loss to Bayern Munich . 1.0. WITH six draws from the 12 players, many were either unsure of who is truly better or unwilling to rock the boat. The game is a highly-detailed version of a football game as it enables you to move and react the same way an actual player would. ", Gabriel Batistuta on the consolation of Messi breaking his record. More like Pessi. Messi scored Argentina's first goal in the shoot-out, with Argentina eventually winning 42, ending the nation's 36-year wait for the trophy. Substitute Mario Gtze finally scored in the 113th minute, followed in the last minute of extra time by a free kick that Messi sent over the net, as Germany won the match 10 to claim the World Cup. He was so disappointed that he did not celebrate his team's victory over Arsenal in Paris, something he later came to regret. [89] This success was reflected in a new contract, signed on 18 September, which committed Messi to the club through 2016 with a new buyout clause of 250million, while his salary increased to 12million. Though only 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 metres) tall and weighing 148 pounds (67 kg), he was strong, well-balanced, and versatile on the field. [566], In addition to his salary and bonuses, much of his income derives from endorsements; SportsPro has consequently cited him as one of the world's most marketable athletes every year since their research began in 2010. [235] He once again finished the season as the top scorer in La Liga, with 34 goals, which also saw him win his fifth Golden Shoe award. Post-match the Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli spoke of the lack of quality in the team surrounding Messi, saying "we quite simply couldn't pass to him to help him generate the situations he is used to. Modified Jun 12, 2022 22:04 IST. [198] A few days later, he scored both goals in Barcelona's 02 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, in the first leg of the 201516 UEFA Champions League round of 16, with the second goal being Barcelona's 10,000th in official competitions. [297] On 25 November, Messi was nominated for the 2020 Best FIFA Men's Player award, and was later shortlisted as one of the final three candidates. [30][31] Messi was then one of several youth players called up to strengthen a depleted first team during the international break. I try to improve my game in every way possible." 12. On 14 December, an ultimatum was issued for Barcelona to prove their commitment, and Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered a contract on a paper napkin. Media and fans noted that he did not combine well with striker Carlos Tevez, who enjoyed greater popularity among the Argentine public; Messi was consequently booed by his own team's supporters for the first time in his career. He scored 41 goals across all competitions for Barcelona in 201516, and the club won the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey during that season. Updated [399][400] During the opening match against Paraguay, they were ahead two goals by half-time but lost their lead to end the match in a 22 draw; Messi had scored from a penalty kick, netting his only goal in the tournament. [611], Since leaving for Spain aged 13, Messi has maintained close ties to his hometown of Rosario, even preserving his distinct Rosarino accent. [605] Thiago was born in Barcelona on 2 November 2012. He would dribble past four players and score a goal. He scored two goals during a thrilling 3-3 draw with France in the final and also netted his penalty in the resulting shootout. Omissions? [454] After coming under criticism in the media over his performance following Argentina's 20 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals at the Maracan Stadium on 28 June, Messi commented that it had not been his best Copa Amrica, while also criticising the poor quality of the pitches. PES 2009. . The award, which is voted for by national team coaches and captains, journalists and also fans, recognises a year in which the former Barcelona star crowned his glorious career by leading Argentina to victory at the World Cup. Rijkaard had fielded him despite warning from the medical staff, leading captain Carles Puyol to criticise the Spanish media for pressuring Messi to play every match. [193], On 11 January 2016, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fifth time in his career. In 201718 he scored 45 goals, and Barcelona won the La LigaCopa del Rey double once again. [246] Later that month, the club admitted they had begun preparations for Messi's future retirement. [417] He stated, "I tried my hardest. [574][575] From 2010 onwards, concurrently with his increased achievements as a player, his marketing appeal widened, leading to long-term endorsement deals with luxury brands Dolce & Gabbana and Audemars Piguet. Overall, he had scored a total of 10 goals in 14 matches during the qualifying campaign. [236] On 21 April, Messi scored Barcelona's second goal his 40th of the season in a 50 win over Sevilla in the 2018 Copa del Rey Final, later also setting up Surez's second goal; this was Barcelona's fourth consecutive title and their 30th overall. [3] Growing up in a tight-knit, football-loving family, "Leo" developed a passion for the sport from an early age, playing constantly with his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matas, and his cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom became professional footballers. [494], Due to his short stature, Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players, which gives him greater agility, allowing him to change direction more quickly and evade opposing tackles;[495][496] this has led the Spanish media to dub him La Pulga Atmica ("The Atomic Flea"). [388][397] However, his selection drew criticism due to his lack of goals in the knockout round; FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed his surprise, while Maradona suggested that Messi had undeservedly been chosen for marketing purposes. Mohammad Amir. As the squad's captain from August 2011, he led Argentina to three consecutive finals: the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which he won the Golden Ball, the 2015 Copa Amrica, winning the Golden Ball, and the 2016 Copa Amrica. Legendary footballers are easy to name. [425], "A lot of things went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great. Messi, who pleaded ignorance of the alleged scheme, voluntarily paid arrears of 5.1million in August 2013. [68][69], After Ronaldinho lost form, Messi became Bara's new star player at only 20 years old, receiving the nickname "Messiah" from the Spanish media. [174] In addition to being the top assist provider with six assists, Messi finished the competition as the joint top scorer with ten goals, which earned him the distinction of being the first player ever to achieve the top scoring mark in five Champions League seasons. [58][59] However, he continued to be plagued by major injuries; a metatarsal fracture sustained on 12 November 2006 kept him out of action for three months. After he suffered a hamstring strain on 2 April, during the first quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), his appearances became sporadic. [65] During a Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe on 18 April, he scored a goal remarkably similar to Maradona's second goal in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, known as the Goal of the Century. [84] He returned as a false nine during the final on 27 May in Rome against Manchester United. [560], According to France Football, Messi was the world's highest-paid footballer for five years out of six between 2009 and 2014; he was the first player to exceed the 40million benchmark, with earnings of 41million in 2013, and the 5060million points, with income of 65million in 2014. He was among the Time 100, an annual list of the world's most influential people as published by Time, in 2011 and 2012. 26 Feb 2023 06:46:16 [501] His former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola once stated, "Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it. [378] Upon his first-team debut, he was moved onto the right wing by manager Frank Rijkaard; from this position, he could more easily cut through the defence into the middle of the pitch and curl shots on goal with his left foot, rather than predominantly cross balls for teammates. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [72], "Messi is the best player in the world by some distance. [598][599] In August 2022, Messi was urged by the family of Mohammed al Faraj to intervene on their son's behalf after he was arrested in 2017 at the age of 15 for crimes against the Saudi regime and faced the death penalty. [617][618] Messi has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since his appointment in March 2010, completing his first field mission for the organisation four months later as he travelled to Haiti to bring public awareness to the plight of the country's children in the wake of the recent earthquake. ", "Lionel Messi, Manchester United and Arsenal: The 10 Most Tweeted Sporting Moments of 2015", "Messi's Goal vs. Bayern Voted Europe's Best in 201415", "Barcelona Overwhelms Juventus to Win Fifth Champions League Title", "UEFA Champions League 201415: Statistics", "The Ultimate Record-Breaking Preview to the UEFA Champions League Final", "Messi Beats Ronaldo for 201415 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award", "Lionel Messi Says Free Kick Goals in UEFA Super Cup Were 'Lucky', "Florenzi's goal vs. Barca one for the ages", "Lionel Messi: Club World Cup triumph proves Barcelona are 'best in the world', "FC Barcelona claim 40 victory over Betis and top spot to end 2015", "Lionel Messi wins 2015 Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar", "Lionel Messi's 500th goal shows off scintillating skill", "Barcelona penalty: Was it disrespectful or a touch of genius? A new contract in July with an annual salary of 7.8million, the... 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