Lionel Messi at 38: 2014 FIFA World Cup heartbreak, struggle at PSG, other key moments

On June 24, 2025, Lionel Messi celebrates his 38th birthday—a moment that invites reflection on a career that has reshaped football history. Few athletes have experienced such a full spectrum of joy and heartbreak on the global stage. Messi’s journey, from a shy teenager at Barcelona to a global ambassador of the beautiful game, is a story of resilience, redemption, and unrivaled excellence.

The Early Years: A Rising Star at Barcelona

Lionel Messi made his professional debut for FC Barcelona in 2004 at just 17 years old. Small in stature but massive in talent, the Argentine quickly became a household name. By 2009, he had established himself as the heartbeat of a Barcelona team widely regarded as one of the best club sides of all time.

Under Pep Guardiola, Messi flourished. He won multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies, dazzling fans with breathtaking dribbles, precise assists, and incredible goal-scoring ability. In 2012, he broke Gerd Müller’s long-standing record by scoring 91 goals in a calendar year—a feat that still stands as one of football’s most mind-blowing achievements.

Ballon d’Or and Club Glory

Between 2009 and 2023, Messi won an unprecedented eight Ballon d’Or awards, confirming his status as one of the greatest players in history. With Barcelona, he claimed ten La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey wins.

Messi’s combination of vision, balance, and playmaking ability made him more than just a goal-scorer. He was—and remains—a complete footballer, capable of influencing every aspect of the game.

Heartbreaks in an Argentina Shirt

For years, Messi’s brilliance in Europe stood in stark contrast to his struggles with the Argentine national team. Despite reaching multiple finals, glory eluded him. Argentina lost the 2007 Copa América final to Brazil, followed by painful back-to-back defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals, both to Chile in penalty shootouts.

The most gut-wrenching loss came at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina fell 1–0 to Germany in extra time. That defeat was especially hard, as Messi had carried the team with four goals and several match-winning performances.

Following the 2016 Copa América final loss, a tearful Messi announced his international retirement, saying, “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.” The world was stunned.

Redemption: Copa América and World Cup Glory

But Messi’s story was far from over. He returned to the national team and, in 2021, finally led Argentina to Copa América victory, defeating Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium. It was Argentina’s first major trophy since 1993 and Messi’s first with the senior team—a moment that silenced critics and sparked tears of joy across the footballing world.

Then came the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In what was widely expected to be his final World Cup, Messi delivered one of the greatest individual tournaments in history. He scored in every knockout round and twice in the final against France. Argentina won in a dramatic penalty shootout, and Messi lifted the trophy that had long evaded him.

For many, that night in Lusail ended the “GOAT debate.”

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A New Chapter: PSG and Inter Miami

In 2021, Messi made an emotional departure from Barcelona due to the club’s financial crisis. He joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he added more silverware to his collection and continued to produce moments of magic alongside Neymar and Mbappé.

In 2023, Messi surprised many by joining Inter Miami in the MLS. The move wasn’t just about football—it was about legacy. He helped the club win the Leagues Cup, drew sell-out crowds across the U.S., and elevated the visibility of soccer in North America. Messi showed that even in his late 30s, he could inspire, perform, and win.

Legacy Beyond Statistics

With over 800 career goals, countless assists, and records that may never be broken, Messi’s numbers are legendary. But what truly sets him apart is how he played: with humility, joy, and an artistry that turned sport into spectacle.

He has inspired generations, remained scandal-free, and earned respect not just from fans, but from peers and rivals alike. Even as he navigated criticism, especially during Argentina’s dark years, Messi never responded with words—he let his boots do the talking.

The Story Isn’t Over

At 38, Lionel Messi continues to write history. Whether he appears in the 2026 World Cup or not, his influence on the game is already eternal. From humble beginnings in Rosario to lifting the World Cup, his story reminds us that even the greatest are forged in struggle.

Lionel Messi didn’t just live up to the hype—he surpassed it. And for as long as football is played, his name will echo across stadiums, playgrounds, and hearts.