Over the period of the previous two decades, Lionel Messi’s career has been filled with memorable moments. It’s difficult to pick only five achievements from among the greatest soccer players in history to sum up an amazing career.
In ranking the top five moments of Messi’s career as a professional soccer player, they attempted to achieve just that.
5. Inter Miami debut
Even at age 36, there was a lot of anticipation for Messi’s debut in America. Prior to his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, his decision to join the club attracted a great deal of attention and, more significantly, incredibly high expectations. After 94 minutes, the score was tied. Messi then displayed his brilliance with a curling free kick that turned DRV PNK Stadium into a complete frenzy as the GOAT wheeled away in euphoria.
4. Seventh Ballon d’Or
Only Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won more than three Ballon d’Ors in their remarkable careers, but Messi was able to surpass CR7’s total of five Ballon d’Ors by winning his sixth and seventh awards in 2019 and 2021. His place as the greatest football player in ever is further cemented, especially because it appears that he will win a further eight in 2023.
3. Getafe Goal
It belongs on the shortlist of the top goals of the century and is without a doubt the best goal of Messi’s career. The Argentinean received the ball in his own half of the field, charmed his way past six efforts at tackle, then chipped the last defender to score from an awkward angle. The football community felt that this young kid from Rosario would be outstanding even at the age of 19.
2. 2007 El Clasico Hat Trick
Nothing beats scoring a hat trick against your club’s rival to preserve a critical point in a competitive title chase. That’s exactly what Messi did in 2007, finishing off an incredible three-goal performance with an equaliser in the 91st minute to dash Los Blancos’ hopes in the last seconds.
1. World Cup Triumph over France
Messi’s one trophy that he never managed to win during his professional career was the World Cup. For someone who had done everything at the club level, adding another prize to his collection became his clear aim as his career came to a close. His goal was ultimately fulfilled last winter when Argentina defeated France in the World Cup Final on penalties, winning one of the greatest soccer games in history. Messi won the World Cup and has advanced even further towards soccer’s GOAT title.