The Rise of Lionel Messi: A Look Back at 20 Years of Magic
Twenty years ago, on October 16, 2004, Frank Rijkaard made a substitution that would change the course of football history. Off went Deco, and on came a 17-year-old Argentine named Lionel Messi. Today, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Messi’s professional debut, we take a look back at the incredible journey of the greatest player of all time.
It’s easy to forget that Messi wasn’t always the dominant force we know today. In fact, his early years were marked by injuries, hiatuses, and periods of dormancy. But every time he recovered, he came back stronger, more determined, and more skillful. In this article, we’ll rank each year of Messi’s career, from 20th to first, based on his individual, club, and international achievements.
So, let’s start with the early years. In 2004-05, Messi made his professional debut, playing just 8 minutes against Espanyol. But it was the start of something special. He would spend most of the season with Barcelona B, scoring 6 goals in 17 games. His first professional goal came in May 2005, a dinked pass from Ronaldinho, against Albacete.
The next season, 2005-06, saw Messi become a mainstay of the Barcelona first team, playing 25 matches and scoring 8 goals. He also made his international debut, playing for Argentina in the 2006 World Cup. His season ended abruptly due to a hamstring injury, but he was already making waves. In 2006-07, Messi exploded onto the scene, scoring 16 goals in 36 games, including a hat-trick against Real Madrid. He finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting and was on his way to superstardom.
The 2007-08 season was marked by ups and downs, including a Champions League semifinal exit and the departure of coach Frank Rijkaard. Messi scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists, but it was time for a change. Enter Pep Guardiola, who would lead Barcelona to unprecedented success.
The Rise to Glory
The 2008-09 season was Messi’s breakout year. He scored 38 goals in 50 games, including a stunning 6 goals in the Champions League. He won his first title, the UEFA Champions League, and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year. The following season, 2009-10, he dominated, scoring 34 goals in 45 games and winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
The years that followed were a whirlwind of success, with Messi leading Barcelona to multiple titles, breaking records, and winning numerous individual awards. In 2011-12, he scored 50 goals in 60 games, a record, and won the treble, including the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. He was named the FIFA Ballon d’Or winner for the third time running.
The Birth of a Legend
The 2014-15 season was Messi’s most incredible year yet. He scored 58 goals in 57 games, including 24 in the Champions League, as Barcelona won the treble once again. It was his best season statistically, and he was named the FIFA Ballon d’Or winner for the fifth time.
But Messi’s success wasn’t just about numbers. He revolutionized the way teams played, his vision, movement, and goal-scoring ability changing the game. He won multiple Ballon d’Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, a FIFA World Cup title, an Olympic gold medal, two Copa América titles, and over 800 goals.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate 20 years of Messi’s professional career, we reflect on the incredible journey of a player who has redefined the sport. His story is one of hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude. Join us on our social media channels to follow the latest updates, analysis, and news on the world of football. With our team of experts and passionate fans, we’ll bring you the best of football, 24/7.
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