GOAT debate settled? — How Messi became football’s most decorated player

On June 24, 1987 Lionel Messi, then a little boy, displayed a rare knack for playing football in the town of Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina. His love for the game was clear from an early age.

Messi’s passion for football grew when he was growing up in a tight-knit family under the supervision of his father, Jorge. Local clubs took notice of Messi’s talent, and at the young age of 6, he joined the youth squad at Newell’s Old Boys from Grandoli, where his father served as the head coach. Everyone who saw Messi play could see that he possessed a unique talent.

However, at 11 years old, Messi faced a major obstacle. His growth was slowed down by a disorder called growth hormone deficiency. His family was confronted with an uncertain future for their child prodigy since they couldn’t afford the pricey hormone therapy.

River Plate expressed interest in Messi’s development but lacked the funds to cover the cost of the disease treatment, which averaged over £500 per month. Carles Rexach, then a scout for FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, learned of Messi’s talent. After seeing him play, Barcelona signed him to their prestigious youth academy, La Masia, and offered to pay for the medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain. He soon found himself starting for the Barcelona B team, averaging more than a goal per game, by scoring 35 goals in 30 matches.

Messi began training with Barcelona’s first team at the age of 16. Everyone was amazed by his unmatched dribbling skills, accurate passing, and natural football intellect. Messi became the third-youngest player to ever play for FC Barcelona on October 16, 2004, when he made his official debut for the club in a league match against RCD Espanyol at the age of 17. On May 1, 2005, Messi scored his first senior goal for the team against Albacete Balompié, making him the club’s youngest player to ever score in a La Liga match. Messi’s influence on the game grew evident as the years went by. He displayed a degree of talent and brilliance that had never before been seen.

Messi has achieved many milestones and won many titles throughout his career. His unmatched abilities on the pitch have earned him a record-breaking seven FIFA Balon d’Or awards. He has also played a significant role in FC Barcelona’s accomplishments, helping the team win multiple La Liga and Champions League championships. He also established himself as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer and smashed other records.

Messi’s remarkable speed, agility, and superb dribbling abilities define his playing style. He is known as “The Flea” because of his seamless direction changes and ability to dribble past many opponents. Additionally, he is renowned for his accurate passing, superb vision, and lethal finishing ability.

On the international stage, Messi has represented Argentina in various tournaments and he has won the FIFA World cup, Copa America, CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima) , Olympic Gold medal and the FIFA U-20 World Cup which was his first.

Messi’s exit from Barcelona, though, came as a surprise, partly because of La Liga’s financial restrictions and contractual restrictions. At first, there were concerns regarding his performance in a new and different environment and his ability to play at the same level of dominance.

After leaving his beloved Barcelona, where he amassed a club-record 34 trophies, including ten La Liga championships, seven Copa del Rey championships, and four UEFA Champions League victories, Lionel Messi transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2021, defying expectations that he might not be successful elsewhere. Despite the concerns, Messi adapted well to his new team, PSG, and had a big impact in the process forming a lethal attacking triumvirate with Neymar and Mbappe.

Messi showed off his extraordinary talent and ability to constantly contribute to the team’s success in his first season with PSG. He was a key contributor to PSG’s Ligue 1 championship and UEFA Champions League semifinal appearances. He also kept up his individual performance, routinely scoring goals and dishing out assists.

Messi’s performance outside of Barcelona not only dissuaded doubters but also cemented his place among the all-time greats of football. His ability to adjust to a new squad and league and his continuous success on the field are examples of his talent, tenacity, and adaptability.

Overall, Messi’s move to PSG defied expectations, proving that he can succeed and excel outside of Barcelona, leaving a lasting impact on his legacy in the world of football.

On the other side, Messi’s MLS career began at the age of 36 years old in 2022 when he signed with David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Messi’s capacity to adjust to the physical and fierce nature of another league and club not la liga and Barcelona came into question once more. Messi, though, disproved his detractors once more by demonstrating his exceptional talent and having a huge influence on the squad.

Messi improved Inter Miami’s performance and upped the bar for teamwork with his extraordinary ability to read the game and create goal-scoring opportunities. With his captivating performances, he not only mesmerized the American crowd but also motivated his colleagues to play better. Currently, Leo has 10 goals in 7 appearances for Inter Miami and have just helped them to their first league cup win since 2020 when the club was formed. They were unbeaten in seven games on their way to winning the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs. With the league cup win, Lionel Messi becomes the most decorated football player in history with a whooping 44 winners medal to his name.

Messi’s global fame and marketability also increased interest in the MLS, drawing more spectators and enhancing the league’s prominence on a global level. Additionally, by encouraging young players and encouraging ambitious talent to pursue their aspirations, his presence spurred the expansion of soccer in the United States.

Overall, Lionel Messi’s excellent tenures at PSG and Inter Miami demonstrate his exceptional talent, adaptation to various playing styles, and versatility. His brilliant performance outside of Barcelona has once again confounded expectations.

Messi’s journey from a small town in Argentina to becoming a global superstar is a testament to his unwavering determination, unmatched talent, and the support he received from his loved ones and FC Barcelona. His continuous success and humble nature have endeared him to millions of fans worldwide, inspiring future generations of footballers to chase their dreams just as he did.

By Ezeh Chimezie Amos