Lionel Messi Biography and Timeline — Page 2

Twenty-One Consecutive League Scoring Games

Messi completed a sequence of scoring against every other La Liga opponent in consecutive league appearances, demonstrating extraordinary consistency across the 2012-13 campaign.

World Cup Goal Against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Scores Argentina's second goal in the 2-1 World Cup group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Late World Cup Winner Against Iran

Scores in stoppage time to give Argentina a 1-0 World Cup victory over Iran.

Two World Cup Goals Against Nigeria

Scores twice as Argentina defeat Nigeria 3-2 and complete a perfect World Cup group stage.

2014 World Cup Golden Ball

Wins the World Cup Golden Ball after Argentina finish as runners-up to Germany.

All-Time La Liga Scoring Record Against Sevilla

Messi scored a hat-trick against Sevilla to move beyond Telmo Zarra's long-standing Spanish league goals record and received a standing ovation at Camp Nou.

Hat-Trick Breaks Clasico Scoring Record

Messi scored three times in Barcelona's 4-3 win away to Real Madrid and overtook the previous all-time scoring record for competitive Clásico matches.

UEFA Super Cup Free-Kick Double

Scores two direct free kicks as Barcelona defeat Sevilla 5-4 after extra time.

Role range: 2004-2021

Bayern Munich Semi-Final Double

Messi struck twice against Bayern Munich, famously wrong-footing Jérôme Boateng before chipping Manuel Neuer, as Barcelona won the Champions League semi-final first leg 3-0.

Copa del Rey Final Solo Goal Against Athletic

Messi dribbled past several Athletic Club defenders from the right touchline and opened the scoring in Barcelona's 3-1 Copa del Rey final triumph.

Fifth Ballon d'Or Award

Messi collected his fifth Ballon d'Or after Barcelona won another treble, recognising a season of decisive goals, combinations and creative performances.

Messi Free Kicks Fuel Extra Time Win

Lionel Messi scored two direct free kicks as Barcelona eventually overcame Sevilla five four after extra time.

Champions League Hat-Trick Against Manchester City

Messi scored three times as Barcelona beat Pep Guardiola's Manchester City 4-0 in the Champions League group stage.

Copa America Final Shootout Defeat to Chile

After Argentina's goalless final against Chile, Messi missed his kick in the shootout and announced an international retirement that he subsequently reversed.

Copa America Hat-Trick Against Panama

Entering as a substitute, Messi scored three goals against Panama in less than half an hour to power Argentina to a 5-0 tournament win.

Free-Kick Against United States in Copa Semifinal

Messi scored an outstanding free kick against the United States in the Copa América Centenario semi-final and became Argentina's leading international goalscorer.

Five Hundredth Barcelona Goal

Scores his five-hundredth competitive Barcelona goal with a stoppage-time Clasico winner.

Role range: 2004-2021

Golden Boot La Liga

Claims the La Liga top-scorer award with 37 goals while representing Barcelona. The season is distinguished by leading a scoring race that featured several world-class forwards.

Hat-Trick Against Ecuador Secures World Cup Place

With Argentina in danger of missing the World Cup, Messi scored all three goals in a 3-1 qualifying victory over Ecuador to secure direct passage to Russia.

Spanish Cup Final Goal Against Alaves

Messi opened the scoring and helped organise Barcelona's attacking play in a 3-1 Copa del Rey final victory over Alavés.

Golden Boot La Liga

Leads the La Liga scoring standings with 34 goals for Barcelona. His contribution stands out for his finishing as Barcelona won La Liga.

Barcelona Captain Following Iniesta Departure

After Andrés Iniesta left the club, Messi became Barcelona's principal captain and led the squad into the new season with the number ten shirt.

First Argentina World Cup Goal Against Nigeria

Messi controlled a long pass before scoring against Nigeria, giving Argentina a crucial lead in the group match they ultimately won 2-1.

Hat-Trick Against Leganes in League Victory

Messi scored three times against Leganés in a 3-1 Barcelona win, illustrating his blend of set-piece accuracy and movement through crowded defensive areas.

Golden Boot La Liga

Collects the La Liga leading-scorer distinction after scoring 36 goals for Barcelona. The award recognises spearheading a further Barcelona championship-winning campaign.

Golden Boot UEFA Champions League

Finishes as the leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 12 goals for Barcelona. The campaign is particularly remembered for his attacking output in Barcelona’s run to the semi-finals.

Sixth Ballon d'Or

Wins a sixth Ballon d'Or while serving as Barcelona captain.

Role range: 2004-2021

Record Sixth European Golden Shoe

Messi received the European Golden Shoe for his 36-goal La Liga season, winning the continental league-scoring award for a sixth time.

Two Free Kicks in Champions League Liverpool Tie

Messi scored twice in Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg victory against Liverpool, including a remarkable long-range free kick.

Golden Boot La Liga

Finishes as the leading goalscorer in the La Liga with 25 goals for Barcelona. The campaign is particularly remembered for winning another Pichichi despite Barcelona finishing second.

One Club Scoring Record

Scores his 644th Barcelona goal to surpass Pele's recognised goals total for a single club.

Role range: 2004-2021

Champions League Goal Against Napoli

Messi dribbled through Napoli's defence and scored in Barcelona's Champions League round-of-sixteen second leg, helping his team reach the quarter-finals.

Seven Hundredth Career Goal Against Atletico

Messi converted a chipped penalty against Atlético Madrid to reach 700 senior goals for Barcelona and Argentina in official matches.

Golden Boot La Liga

Scores 30 goals for Barcelona to claim the La Liga scoring honour. The achievement reflects securing his final La Liga top-scorer prize with Barcelona.

2021 Copa America Joint Top Scorer

Finishes the Copa America with four goals, sharing the tournament scoring lead as Argentina become champions.

Copa America First Senior International Title

Messi captained Argentina to a 1-0 Copa América final victory over Brazil, ending his long wait for a senior international championship.

Copa del Rey Final Two-Goal Performance

Messi scored twice as Barcelona defeated Athletic Club 4-0 in the Copa del Rey final, securing his final major trophy with the Catalan club.

First PSG Champions League Goal Against Manchester City

Messi combined with Kylian Mbappé before scoring from outside the area to seal Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Paris Saint-Germain Debut Against Reims

Messi made his Paris Saint-Germain debut from the substitutes' bench against Reims, beginning his Ligue 1 career after leaving Barcelona.

Transfer to Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi moves to Paris Saint-Germain after playing for Barcelona. Barcelona's financial restrictions contributed to the end of Messi's long association with the club and his move to France.