Lionel Messi is a name that needs no introduction in the world of football. The Argentinian footballer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His ability to control the ball with precision and effortlessly weave past defenders has won him admirers all over the world. However, there’s more to Messi’s success than just his on-field performances. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 personal achievements of Lionel Messi and what makes him stand out from the crowd.
1) Breaking the Record for most Ballon d’Or Wins
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football. It has been awarded since 1956, although for the first few years it was only open to European players. Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times. His first win came in 2009, and he went on to win it in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021. This is a testament to his consistency and dominance over the years.
2) Leading FC Barcelona to Unprecedented Success
Lionel Messi has spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, a club he joined at the age of 13. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut for the senior team at the age of 16. He has since played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s success over the years. The team has won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four Champions League titles, to name a few. Messi has been an integral part of this success, with his goals and assists helping his team to victory time and time again.
3) Winning Gold at the Olympics
Messi’s accomplishments aren’t limited to club football. He has also had success on the international stage. In 2008, he won gold at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. His performances in the tournament were instrumental in helping Argentina win the tournament. This achievement is particularly impressive as the Olympics is a competition that is only open to players under the age of 23.
4) Surpassing Pele’s Goalscoring Record with One Club
In 2020, Messi surpassed Pele’s record of the most goals for one club by scoring his 644th goal for FC Barcelona. Pele had held the record for 46 years, having scored 643 goals for Santos. Messi achieved this feat in 17 fewer games than Pele. This is a testament to Messi’s consistency and longevity, and it solidifies his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
5) Philanthropic Work
Messi is not only a great footballer but also a great philanthropist. He has used his wealth and influence to help those in need. In 2007, he founded the Leo Messi Foundation, which aims to provide health care, education, and sport for children in need. He has also supported other charitable causes such as the fight against cancer and UNICEF’s ‘Schools for Africa’ campaign. His philanthropic work shows that he’s not only a talented footballer but also a compassionate human being.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s success is not limited to his on-field performances. His personal achievements off the pitch make him stand out from the crowd. Breaking the record for most Ballon d’Or wins, leading FC Barcelona to unprecedented success, winning gold at the Olympics, surpassing Pele’s goalscoring record with one club, and his philanthropic work all showcase his excellence not only as a footballer but also as a person. Messi’s legacy in football will undoubtedly be one that will last for generations.
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