Messi holds a series of great records in world football.
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of world football. During his career, the Argentine superstar has set a series of records that, according to the British media, “may never be broken”.
Most appearances for Argentina – 176
Currently, Messi is the player who has played the most matches for the Argentina team with 176 times, 29 more than the second place Javier Mascherano (retired). During his time playing for the national team, Messi has scored 104 goals, winning the Copa America 2021 and the World Cup 2022. It is likely that Messi will continue to participate in the Copa America next year.
Most European Golden Shoes won – 6
The European Golden Shoe is an award given to the player who scores the most goals in a season in a European national league. Messi has won the award six times in his career, in 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19.
Ronaldo is second with 4 times. However, Ronaldo is no longer playing in Europe.
Most collective titles won – 44
After winning the Leagues Cup in August, Messi officially surpassed Dani Alves to become the player with the most collective titles with 44 titles. The player who still plays next to Messi on this list is Andres Iniesta with 37 titles. At 39 years old, the possibility of Iniesta surpassing Messi is almost impossible.
Most goals scored for one club – 672 goals
Messi has scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barca. No player in history has scored more goals for a single club than Messi. This summer, Messi had intended to return to Barca. However, the Argentine superstar later changed his mind.
Most goals scored in La Liga – 474 goals
Alan Shearer is the top scorer in the history of the Premier League with 260 goals. Messi has scored almost double that number in La Liga with a total of 474 goals. It is estimated that it will be difficult for any player to break this record in the future.
Most goals scored in a season in La Liga – 50 goals
Messi and Ronaldo used to compete fiercely for the title of top scorer in La Liga. In the 2014-15 season, Ronaldo scored 48 goals, but this number was still not equal to Messi’s achievement of 50 goals in the 2011/2012 season.
Most goals scored in a calendar year – 91 goals
In 2012, Messi had a memorable season when he scored 91 goals for Barca and the Argentina national team. This achievement helped Messi break the 4-decade-old record of 85 goals set by the legendary Gerd Muller.
Most Ballon d’Or wins – 7 times
In history, only 10 players have won more than one Ballon d’Or. Only Ronaldo and Messi have more than 3 Ballons d’Or. Here, Messi surpasses Ronaldo by winning 7 Ballons d’Or, 2 more titles than his colleague from Portugal.
Messi is even facing the opportunity to increase his achievement to 8 as the number 1 candidate for this award this year. The award ceremony will take place on October 30.
