The 13 Most Iconic Lionel Messi Career Moments

From teenage genius to World Cup champion, a career built on records no one thought possible and moments that rewrote history. Which achievement stands above the rest?

1

2022 World Cup Victory

Messi finally won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar, lifting the trophy he had chased his entire career in a legendary final against France.

1000pts

2

2009 Champions League Final

A soaring header against Manchester United in Rome completed Barcelona's first treble and announced Messi as the world's best player.

762pts

3

Boateng Dribble vs Bayern 2015

Messi left German defender Jerome Boateng stumbling to the ground before chipping Manuel Neuer in one of football's most replayed moments.

746pts

4

Goal vs Getafe 2007

A stunning solo run from his own half, echoing Maradona's 1986 goal against England, widely considered the greatest goal of his career.

703pts

5

2021 Copa América Title

After years of heartbreak, Messi finally won his first major international trophy with Argentina, ending a 28-year drought for the nation.

653pts

6

2014 World Cup Final

Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final in Brazil, winning the Golden Ball despite heartbreak in extra time against Germany.

653pts

7

First Ballon d'Or (2009)

Messi claimed the first of his record eight Ballon d'Or awards, cementing his status as the best player on the planet.

653pts

8

400th La Liga Goal

Messi broke the La Liga all-time goals record, eventually finishing with 474 league goals — a mark no other player is close to.

594pts

9

8th Ballon d'Or (2023)

Messi won an unprecedented eighth Ballon d'Or following Argentina's World Cup triumph, extending his own all-time record.

522pts

10

91 Goals in 2012

Messi shattered the world record for most goals in a calendar year, scoring 91 for club and country in a season of extraordinary brilliance.

522pts

11

Inter Miami Debut & Leagues Cup 2023

Messi's MLS debut with Inter Miami became a cultural phenomenon as he scored a free-kick winner and led the club to the Leagues Cup title.

435pts

12

2015 Barcelona Treble

Messi led Barcelona to a second Champions League treble, forming one of football's greatest attacking trios with Suárez and Neymar.

435pts

13

2026 World Cup Scoring Record

Messi became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing the record he had helped define.

435pts