How Lionel Messi Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Lionel Messi across different fields.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

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.

1986: Maradona's World Cup Goal

In the 2006-07 season, two goals scored by Messi drew notice for their similarities to two famous goals scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup match against England.

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.

2005: Most-Watched Ad on YouTube

In 2013, a Turkish Airlines advertisement starring Messi, in which he engages in a selfie competition with Kobe Bryant, was the most-watched ad on YouTube in 2013, receiving 137 million views, and was voted the best advertisement of the 2005–15 decade to commemorate YouTube's founding.

2006: Sponsorship with Adidas

Since 2006, Adidas has been Messi's main sponsor, solidifying a long-term partnership and brand association.

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.

2008: Adidas F50 Boots Collection

From 2008, Messi had a long-running signature collection of Adidas F50 boots, enhancing his brand presence with Adidas.

adidas Unisex F50 League Football Boots Firm Ground Sneaker, White/Solar Red/Lucid Blue, 10 US Men

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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.

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: Marketable Athlete

Since 2010, SportsPro has consistently recognized Messi as one of the world's most marketable athletes, underscoring his commercial appeal and brand endorsements.

April 2011: Launch of Messi's Facebook Page

In April 2011, within seven hours of its launch, Messi's Facebook page had nearly seven million followers, showcasing his immense popularity and global fanbase.

2011: Messi Listed in Time 100

In 2011, Messi was included in the Time 100, an annual list recognizing the world's most influential people, highlighting his global impact and recognition.

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: Messi scores record 91 goals and wins fourth Ballon d'Or

In 2012, Lionel Messi scored a record 91 goals for Barcelona and Argentina, surpassing Gerd Müller's record. Messi also won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for a record fourth time.

2012: First wax sculpture unveiled at Madame Tussauds

In 2012, Madame Tussauds unveiled their first wax sculpture of Messi at Wembley Stadium.

2012: Messi Listed in Time 100

In 2012, Messi was included in the Time 100, an annual list recognizing the world's most influential people, highlighting his global impact and recognition.

2013: Most-Watched Ad on YouTube

In 2013, a Turkish Airlines advertisement starring Messi, in which he engages in a selfie competition with Kobe Bryant, was the most-watched ad on YouTube in 2013, receiving 137 million views.

2014: Recognition and Favorability Survey

In 2014, a survey across 15 international markets revealed that 87% of respondents were familiar with Messi, and 78% perceived him favorably. He was the second-most recognized player globally, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, and the most likeable of all contemporary players. World Press Photo also selected "The Final Game" as the best sports image of 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.

Adidas Samba Messi Shoes (Multi, US Footwear Size System, Adult, Men, Numeric, Medium, 9)

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June 2016: Erection of bronze statue in Buenos Aires

In June 2016, following the announcement of his first retirement from the international team, a bronze statue of Messi was erected in Buenos Aires in an attempt to convince him to return.

2017: Adidas Nemeziz Boots

Since 2017, Messi has worn the latest version of the Adidas Nemeziz, highlighting his continued partnership with Adidas.

December 2022: Most Liked Instagram Post

In December 2022, Messi's World Cup celebration post became the most liked post on Instagram with more than 75 million likes, marking a significant social media milestone.

2022: Adidas Sells Out Messi's Jersey at World Cup

During the 2022 World Cup, Adidas sold out Messi's No. 10 Argentina jersey worldwide, showcasing his immense popularity and market appeal.

2022: Debate settlement after World Cup victory

Following Messi leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, football critics and players opined that Messi settled the debate between him and Ronaldo.

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: 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.

March 2023: Unveiling of statue at CONMEBOL headquarters

In March 2023, a life-sized statue of Messi holding the World Cup trophy was unveiled outside the CONMEBOL headquarters in Luque, Paraguay.

July 2023: Social Media Following

By July 2023, Messi had more than 114 million followers on Facebook, the second highest for a sportsperson after Ronaldo. He also has over 500 million Instagram followers, the second highest for an individual and sportsperson after Ronaldo.

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 Listed in Time 100

In 2023, Messi was included in the Time 100, an annual list recognizing the world's most influential people, highlighting his global impact and recognition.

December 2025: Unveiling of 70-foot statue in Kolkata

On December 13, 2025, a 70-foot (21-metre) statue of Messi was unveiled at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata, depicting Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy.