Career Timeline of Lionel Messi: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Lionel Messi, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He captains both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. He holds records for individual awards, including eight Ballon d'Ors and six European Golden Shoes. In 2025, he was named the All Time Men's World Best Player by the IFFHS. He is the most decorated player in football history with 46 team trophies. Messi holds records for goals in a calendar year (91), goals for a single club, La Liga goals (474), international assists (61), World Cup goal contributions (21), and Copa América goal contributions (32). A prolific scorer and playmaker, he has over 890 senior career goals and 400 assists, totaling over 1,300 goal contributions, the most in football history.
1986: Argentina's victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup
In 1986, Diego Maradona famously led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup with a dominant overall performance. This set expectations for Messi to achieve similar success with the national team, influencing the perception of Messi in Argentine society during his early career.
September 2000: Trial with Barcelona Arranged
In September 2000, the Messi family sought to arrange a trial with Barcelona when Messi was 13 years old.
February 2002: Messi Enrolled in Royal Spanish Football Federation
In February 2002, after a year at La Masia, Messi was enrolled in the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
November 2003: Messi's First-Team Debut in Friendly Match
On 16 November 2003, at 16 years old, Messi made his first-team debut in a friendly against FC Porto.
2003: Promotion to Juvenil A
During the 2003–04 season, Messi played one official match with the Juvenil B team before being promoted to the Juvenil A.
February 2004: Messi Signs First Professional Contract
On 4 February 2004, Messi signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, lasting until 2012 and containing an initial buyout clause of €30 million.
October 2004: Messi's Competitive Debut for Barcelona
In October 2004, at the age of 17, Messi made his competitive debut for Barcelona.
2004: Debut for Argentina's U20 team
In 2004, Messi debuted for Argentina's U20 team against Paraguay, marking his first involvement with the national side.
2004: Charitable Efforts with UNICEF
Since 2004, Messi has contributed his time and finances to UNICEF, underscoring his long-term commitment to helping vulnerable children.
May 2005: Messi's First Senior Goal
On 1 May 2005, Messi scored his first senior goal, becoming the youngest-ever scorer for Barcelona at the time.
2005: Messi's senior debut for Argentina
In 2005, Messi made his senior debut for Argentina.
2005: Debut with senior national team
In 2005, at age 18, Messi made his debut with the senior national team, coming off the bench in a friendly against Hungary.
2005: Messi Signs First Senior Team Contract
In 2005, on his 18th birthday, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player with Barcelona through 2010.
2005: Ronaldinho's comment on Messi's prodigious talent
Shortly after teammate Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d'Or, he commented, "I'm not even the best at Barça" in reference to his 18-year-old protégé Messi, recognizing Messi's prodigious talent as a teenager.
2006: Barcelona wins Supercopa de España
In 2006, Barcelona won the Supercopa de España.
2006: First start and World Cup debut
In 2006, Messi had his first start for Argentina against Peru and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Croatia. He also made his World Cup debut as a substitute against Serbia and Montenegro, assisting one goal and scoring another.
2006: Sponsorship with Adidas
Since 2006, Adidas has been Messi's main sponsor, solidifying a long-term partnership and brand association.
2006: Messi Endorses Adidas
Since 2006, Messi has endorsed sportswear company Adidas.
2007: Messi scores hat-trick against Real Madrid
During the 2006–07 season, Messi scored his first hat-trick during a game against Real Madrid, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Clásico in 12 years.
2007: Establishment of Leo Messi Foundation
In 2007, Messi founded the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to health care, education, and sport for children, demonstrating his dedication to charitable causes.
2007: Named best young player of Copa América
In 2007, Messi represented Argentina in the Copa América, where they lost in the final. Messi was named the best young player of the tournament, having scored two goals and provided one assist.
2007: First competitive matchup against Ronaldo
In 2008, the first competitive matchup between Messi and Ronaldo occurred in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, with Ronaldo's Manchester United advancing.
2008: Barcelona's Highest-Paid Player
From 2008, Messi became Barcelona's highest-paid player, with his salary increasing incrementally from €7.8 million to €13 million over the next five years.
2008: Adidas F50 Boots Collection
From 2008, Messi had a long-running signature collection of Adidas F50 boots, enhancing his brand presence with Adidas.
2008: Start of 2008-09 season under Pep Guardiola
In 2008, Lionel Messi was given the number 10 shirt at the start of the 2008-09 season, his first under new manager Pep Guardiola, and became the tactical focal point of the team. His goalscoring rate increased as a result of this new role.
2008: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2008, Messi led Argentina's U23 team to claim the Olympic gold medal over Nigeria, registering two goals and three assists throughout the tournament.
2008: Messi Wins Gold at Summer Olympics
In 2008, Messi won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
2008: First competitive matchup against Ronaldo
In 2008, the first competitive matchup between Messi and Ronaldo occurred in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, with Ronaldo's Manchester United advancing.
2008: Barcelona Achieves First Treble
In 2008–09 season, at age 22, Messi helped Barcelona achieve the first treble in Spanish football.
August 2009: Described as best player by Pep Guardiola
As early as August 2009, then-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola described Messi as the best player he had ever seen and would ever see, initiating public debate about his status as one of the greatest players in history.
2009: Messi wins Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year
In 2009, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or, the FIFA World Player of the Year award, and his first European Golden Shoe for his outstanding performances, also finishing as the Champions League top scorer, the youngest in the tournament's history.
2009: Champions League final win against Ronaldo
In 2009, Messi and Barcelona emerged victorious against Ronaldo and Manchester United in the Champions League final with a 2–0 result.
2009: Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 Cover
In 2009, Messi was on the cover of Konami's video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, marking one of his first major appearances in video game marketing.
March 2010: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
In March 2010, Messi became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, formalizing his long-standing commitment to charitable efforts aimed at vulnerable children.
2010: Marketing Appeal Widens
From 2010, concurrently with increased achievements as a player, Messi's marketing appeal widened, leading to long-term endorsement deals with luxury brands Dolce & Gabbana and Audemars Piguet.
2010: Messi wins second consecutive Ballon d'Or
In 2010, Lionel Messi's club performances earned him his second consecutive Ballon d'Or. He was the top scorer in the Champions League for the third consecutive year, and the league's top scorer and assist provider.
2010: Contract Through 2010
On his 18th birthday, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player, which kept him with Barcelona through 2010, and had a release clause of €150 million.
2011: Messi sets European record for most goals in a season
By the 2011–12 season, Messi set the European record for most goals in a season and established himself as Barcelona's all-time top scorer.
2011: Messi Assumes Argentina's Captaincy
In 2011, Messi assumed captaincy for the Argentina national team.
2011: Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Cover
In 2011, Messi was on the cover of Konami's video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2011.
2011: Gold Replica Foot Fundraiser
In 2013, a gold replica of Messi's left foot, valued at $5.3 million, went on sale in Japan to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, marking a unique fundraising effort.
2012: Messi becomes Barcelona's top goalscorer
In 2012, Lionel Messi became the top goalscorer in Barcelona's history, surpassing César Rodríguez's 57-year-old record. Messi also became the single-season top scorer in the history of European club football excluding regional and local competitions.
2012: Increased input into team's attack
In 2012, Lionel Messi's input into the team's attack had increased significantly, rising to more than 40% by the end of the 2012-13 season.
2012: Funding for Newell's Old Boys gymnasium
In 2012, Messi funded the construction of a new gymnasium and dormitory inside the stadium for the youth academy at Newell's Old Boys, his boyhood club.
2012: End date of Messi's first professional contract
In February 2004, Messi signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, lasting until 2012.
November 2013: Publicity Campaign with Son Thiago
In November 2013, Messi and his son Thiago participated in a publicity campaign to raise awareness of mortality rates among disadvantaged children, continuing Messi's commitment to UNICEF.
2013: Barcelona signs Neymar to offset load on Messi
In 2013, Barcelona signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Santos to offset the load on Messi, during the 2013-14 season.
2013: First Player to Exceed €40 Million Benchmark
In 2013, Messi became the first player to exceed the €40 million benchmark, with earnings of €41 million, demonstrating his growing financial success.
2013: Investment in Sarmiento football club
In 2013, Messi committed to the refurbishment of Sarmiento, a football club based in his Rosario neighbourhood, including the installation of all-weather pitches.
2013: Gold Replica Foot Fundraiser
In 2013, a gold replica of Messi's left foot, valued at $5.3 million, went on sale in Japan to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, marking a unique fundraising effort.
2014: Messi Becomes All-Time Top Scorer in La Liga
During the 2014–15 campaign, Messi became the all-time top scorer in La Liga.
2014: Highest-Paid Footballer Exceeds Benchmarks
In 2014, Messi exceeded the €50–€60 million income points, with earnings of €65 million. He continued to dominate financially in the sport.
2014: Argentina loses World Cup final
In 2014, Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final, which they lost.
2014: Contract Updated to 2014
Three months later, as his performance continued to make waves, his contract was updated to double his salary and keep him with the club until 2014.
2015: Adidas Messi Sub-Brand
In 2015, Messi became the first footballer to receive his own sub-brand of Adidas boots, the Adidas Messi, marking a significant milestone in his endorsement deal.
2015: Argentina loses Copa America final
In 2015, Messi led Argentina to the Copa América final, which they lost.
2015: Barcelona wins second treble
In 2015, Messi led Barcelona to a historic second treble, leading to a fifth Ballon d'Or.
2015: Second Highest-Paid Athlete
In 2015, Messi was ranked second on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, after Cristiano Ronaldo, with an income of $81 million from salary and endorsements, reflecting his significant earning power.
January 2016: Messi wins fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or
On 11 January 2016, Lionel Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fifth time in his career.
June 2016: Libel case win against La Razón
In June 2016, Messi won a libel case against La Razón newspaper and was awarded €65,000 in damages, which he donated to the charity Médecins Sans Frontières.
November 2016: Paying salaries of Argentine national team's security staff
In November 2016, Messi paid the salaries of three members of the Argentine national team's security staff after they reported not receiving their salaries for six months.
2016: Contract Extension with Barcelona
In 2009 Messi signed a new 7-year contract with Barcelona through 2016.
2016: Messi wins Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey
In 2016, Lionel Messi ended the season winning the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey, claiming both the Pichichi and European Golden Boot Awards for the fourth time in his career.
2016: Messi announces international retirement
In 2016, Messi initially announced his international retirement.
2016: Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer
In the 2016 Copa América Centenario semi-final against the United States, a goal from Messi put him ahead of Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer in international matches. However, Argentina again fell to Chile on penalties in the final.
November 2017: Messi signs new contract with Barcelona
On 25 November 2017, Lionel Messi signed a new deal with Barcelona, his ninth contract with the club, keeping him with the club through 2021.
2017: Continued rivalry against Ronaldo
From 2009–10 to 2017–18, Messi faced Ronaldo at least twice every season in El Clásico, among the world's most viewed annual sports events.
2017: New Contract with Barcelona
In 2017, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona, earning $667,000 per week in wages, a $60 million signing-on bonus, and having his buyout clause set at $835 million.
2017: Adidas Nemeziz Boots
Since 2017, Messi has worn the latest version of the Adidas Nemeziz, highlighting his continued partnership with Adidas.
May 2018: Messi named Barcelona's captain
In May 2018, with the departure of Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi was named the team's new captain for the 2018-19 season.
2018: Messi commits to Barcelona through 2018
In 2013 Messi signed a new contract committing himself to Barcelona through 2018.
2018: Messi Assumes Barcelona's Captaincy
In 2018, Messi assumed Barcelona's captaincy.
2018: Messi helps Argentina Qualify for World Cup
In 2018, Messi returned to help his country narrowly qualify for the World Cup.
2018: First Player to Exceed €100 Million Benchmark
In 2018, Messi was the first player to exceed the €100 million benchmark for a calendar year, with earnings of €126 million from salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, highlighting his financial success.
2018: Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus
In the summer of 2018, Ronaldo transferred to Juventus, marking a change in the frequent matchups between him and Messi.
2019: World's Highest-Paid Athlete
In 2019, Forbes ranked Messi as the world's highest-paid athlete, acknowledging his top financial status in the sports world.
2019: Messi wins sixth Ballon d'Or
In 2019, Lionel Messi won his sixth Ballon d'Or.
2019: Copa América third-place finish
In 2019, Messi again represented Argentina in the Copa América, where he registered only a single goal and assist. They lost to hosts Brazil in the semi-final but ended with a third-place finish after defeating Chile.
2019: Change in Perception of Messi Among Argentines
In 2019, there was a shift in how Argentines perceived Messi, with him making a conscious effort to be "more one of the group, more Argentine". He became more assertive as a leader during the 2019 Copa América, singing the national anthem and engaging with journalists more frequently.
2019: Messi reveals River Plate transfer refusal
In a 2019 interview, Messi revealed that River Plate had wanted to sign him after a successful trial and offered to pay for his medical treatment, but Newell's refused to release his player card, preventing the transfer.
2020: Surpasses $1 Billion in Career Earnings
In 2020, Messi became the second footballer, as well as the second athlete in a team sport, after Ronaldo, to surpass $1 billion in career earnings, marking a major financial milestone.
2020: Donation to fight coronavirus and salary cut
In 2020, Messi donated €1 million to fight the spread of coronavirus, split between Clinic Barcelona and Argentina. He also took a 70% salary cut with his FC Barcelona teammates to ensure all club employees were fully paid during the coronavirus emergency.
2020: Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 Cover
In 2020, Messi was on the cover of Konami's video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2020.
February 2021: Donation of Adidas shoes to Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
In February 2021, Messi donated his Adidas shoes, which he wore when he scored his 644th goal for Barcelona, to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. The shoes were later auctioned off in April for £125,000 to help children with cancer.
June 2021: Brand Ambassador for Hard Rock Cafe
In June 2021, Messi signed a five-year deal to become an ambassador for the Hard Rock Cafe brand, marking his entry into the restaurant and entertainment industry.
2021: Messi leads Barcelona to Copa del Rey victory
In 2021, Lionel Messi led Barcelona to victory in the Copa del Rey final.
2021: Argentina Wins Copa América
In 2021, Messi ended Argentina's 28-year trophy drought by winning the Copa América, which helped him secure his seventh Ballon d'Or.
2021: Copa América Victory
In 2021, Messi led Argentina to win the Copa América, defeating Brazil in the final. He was named the player of the tournament.
2021: Donation of signed shirts for COVID-19 vaccine procurement
In 2021, ahead of the Copa América, Messi donated three signed shirts to Sinovac Biotech to secure 50,000 doses of Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac, aiming to vaccinate South America's football players.
2021: Victory in the 2021 Copa América
Messi's victory in the 2021 Copa América contributed to him finally winning every top tier trophy at both the club and country levels.
2021: Messi's Contract Extension
On 25 November 2017, Lionel Messi signed a new deal with Barcelona, his ninth contract with the club, keeping him with the club through 2021.
2022: 2022 World Cup Win
Following the 2022 World Cup win for Messi and Argentina, it was felt that Messi would be held in the same esteem by his compatriots as Maradona. His performances during the tournament were seen as having a "Maradonian" edge. Messi remarked that the World Cup victory "won over all the people of Argentina".
2022: Messi wins Trophée des Champions and surpasses Ronaldo's goalscoring record
In 2022, Lionel Messi won his second trophy with PSG in the Trophée des Champions. Also, a goal against Nice resulted in him surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo as the all-time highest goalscorer in European club football with 702 goals; during the match, he also achieved 1,000 career direct goal contributions at club level.
2022: 2022 FIFA World Cup victory and Golden Ball
In 2022, Messi captained Argentina to its first World Cup victory in 36 years, scoring twice in the final to defeat France and winning the Golden Ball for the second time.
2022: Argentina Wins the World Cup
In 2022, Messi led Argentina to winning the World Cup, the country's first in 36 years.
2022: Auction of World Cup Shirts
In December 2023, a set of shirts Messi had worn during the 2022 World Cup was sold at auction for $7.8 million.
2022: Victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Messi's victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup contributed to him finally winning every top tier trophy at both the club and country levels.
June 2023: Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain
On 10 August 2021, Lionel Messi joined Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a two-year deal until June 2023 with an option for an extra year, reuniting him with Neymar.
July 2023: Messi Joins Inter Miami
In July 2023, Messi joined MLS club Inter Miami.
October 2023: Messi awarded record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or and named Time Athlete of the Year
On 30 October 2023, Lionel Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or following his World Cup win with Argentina and Ligue 1 trophy with PSG. He was also named Time Athlete of the Year, the first footballer ever to win the award.
December 2023: Auction of World Cup Shirts
In December 2023, a set of shirts Messi had worn during the 2022 World Cup was sold at auction for $7.8 million.
2023: Messi Wins Eighth Ballon d'Or
In 2023, Messi had a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or.
2023: 100 international goals
In 2023, a hat-trick in a friendly against Curaçao saw Messi reach 100 international goals, becoming the third player and the first South American to achieve this milestone. Later that year, a brace against Peru resulted in Messi becoming the all-time top goalscorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.
2023: Signing with Inter Miami
In 2023, upon signing with Inter Miami, Messi's base salary was set at $12 million, with guaranteed compensation totaling $20.4 million for the season. He was also set to earn additional shares from shirt sales, MLS Season Pass subscriptions, and a stake in the club.
February 2024: Controversy in Hong Kong Exhibition Match
In February 2024, during an exhibition match in Hong Kong, Messi remained on the bench the entire game, leading to backlash in Hong Kong and China. A Messi commercial was taken off air, and the Chinese Football Association temporarily halted its partnership with the Argentine Football Association.
September 2024: Announcement of 525 Rosario production company launch
On September 19, 2024, Messi announced the launch of a production company called 525 Rosario, named after his hometown. The company will produce film, sporting events and branded commercials for athletes worldwide.
2024: Second-highest international goalscorer
During the 2024 Copa América semi-final against Canada, Messi scored his first and only goal of the tournament which also made him the second-highest international goalscorer of all time. Argentina eventually won the final against Colombia for their second consecutive Copa América title, with Messi contributing one goal and one assist overall while also setting a new record for most appearances (39) at Copa América.
2024: Messi breaks assist records in MLS and named MLS MVP
During the 2024 season, Lionel Messi broke the record for most assists and goal contributions in an MLS game and was named the MLS Most Valuable Player. He also scored his first hat-trick for Inter Miami.
2024: Messi wins league MVP awards
In 2024, Messi wins back-to-back league MVP awards.
March 2025: Invitation to participate in Deportivo LSM soccer project
In March 2025, Messi was invited by Luis Suárez to participate in a new soccer project, Deportivo LSM, focused on football training.
July 2025: Third all time in goals scored from direct free kicks
As of July 2025, Messi ranks third all time in goals scored from direct free kicks with 69, the most among active players.
2025: Fastest to 40 goals and MLS Golden Boot
In 2025, Messi became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in league history and won the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games. He also led Miami to win MLS Cup 2025.
2025: Inter Miami win their first MLS Cup
In 2025, Messi led Inter Miami to win their first MLS Cup.
2025: Top assist-provider in men's international football
In 2025, Messi tied the record for most appearances in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification matches (72). Later that year, the two assists he provided in a friendly against Puerto Rico resulted in him reaching 60 in total, making him the top assist-provider in men's international football history.
2028: Contract extension with the club
On October 23, 2025, Messi signed a three-year contract extension with the club through 2028, by which time he would be 41-years-old.
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