Lionel Messi, who is widely known as the GOAT of football, has had an outstanding career. Messi was born on 24 June 1987, and today marks his 38 birthday. 

Lionel Messi began his football journey at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before moving to Barcelona’s youth academy at the age of 13. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut at 16. His breakthrough moment came in the 2004-05 season when he helped Barcelona win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. 

A Career To Remember

Over the years, Lionel Messi has become synonymous with football. He became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer and set multiple records, such as most goals in La Liga history and most assists in official football history.

His 2011-12 career specifically was historic. He broke a 38-year-old record for most goals in a single European league season. Messi won six European Golden Shoes, a record still unmatched by any other player and earned eight Ballon d’Or awards, which is again unmatched. 

Lionel Messi has been the key player for Argentina. He won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, the Olympic gold medal in 2008, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Throughout his career, Messi has won an unmatched number of trophies, which is 45 collective titles, including 10 La Liga championships, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, multiple Copa del Rey wins, and domestic cups with Barcelona. 

After leaving Barcelona in 2021 due to financial constraints at the club, he continued his success with Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 titles, and later with Inter Miami, securing the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Individually, Lionel Messi holds numerous records: most goals in La Liga, most hat-tricks (36), most FIFA FIFPRO World XI appearances (17), and the Guinness World Record for most official goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012). He has been recognised repeatedly as the best player globally with awards including three The Best FIFA Men’s Player honours and multiple Laureus World Sports Awards. As the world celebrates a legend’s birthday, let’s take a look at his career stats. 

Lionel Messi’s Career Stats

Club Football

For Argentina

Club Football Competitions

Also Read: New Date And Lineup For Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Argentina’s star footballer, Lionel Messi, is celebrating his 37th birthday today. Argentina’s legendary footballer, Lionel Messi, is often called the greatest footballer of all time. Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. But no one had thought that this child would one day become the uncrowned king of the football world.

Record for Most Goals in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage

This legendary Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi, also holds the record for scoring the most goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Lionel Messi has scored a total of 80 goals in the Champions League group stage so far.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo To Not Rest In Euro 2024 Matches

Record for Most Goals in a Calendar Year

This legendary Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi, scored a total of 91 goals for his club. This record of scoring the most goals in a calendar year still stands today. At that time in the year 2024, Lionel Messi scored 672 goals while playing for his club Barcelona, ​​while he scored a total of 108 goals while playing for Argentina.

El Clásico Hat-Trick 

Early in Messi’s career, an important event happened. He played in El Clásico, the biggest rivalry in Spanish football, against Real Madrid, his bitterest opponent, at the age of barely 19. Despite the strain, Messi performed brilliantly and scored a hat-trick. With his signature dribbling, he slipped by defenders, leaving them clutching for air. With this performance, he made his debut as a worldwide superstar.

Copa America Glory

International achievement missed Messi for a considerable amount of time. But in 2021, he eventually led Argentina to Copa America success, bringing an end to the national team’s 28-year trophy drought.  His strategic playmaking, inspirational leadership, and game-winning goals were key components of Argentina’s triumph during the tournament. His critics who doubted his dedication to the national team were slowed by this victory.

Also Read: Facts About Lamine Yamal The Youngest Ever Euro Player

Magical Free-Kick vs. Real Betis

Messi’s brilliance remained even in his more experienced years. He curled a free-kick over the wall in a La Liga encounter against Real Betis with such accuracy and perfection that it left the goalkeeper still on the spot. The Betis supporters gave the goal a standing ovation in recognition of its bravery and genius-a rare display of praise from the supporters of a rival team.

2022 World Cup Triumph 

In 2022, the grand prize was delivered. Messi led Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar.  He showed his leadership and experience throughout the competition, punctuated with moments of individual excellence. He made his name in World Cup history with two goals and the conversion of a key penalty in the final against France. His reputation as the best player of his generation and possibly all time was confirmed by his achievements.

A legend, an inspiration, and a true leader – Sunil Chhetri is a national hero. Chhetri’s journey from a young boy with a passion for the sport to the most decorated player in Indian football history is inspirational. Sunil Chettri will play his last game for the FIFA World Cup’s qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6. 

7 Unknown Facts About Sunil Chhetri You Didn’t Know

• Love Marriage

Sunil Chhetri has Married his childhood love, Sonam Bhattacharya, who is the daughter of his coach Subrata Bhattacharya. Both got married in 2017 and last year they welcomed a son – Dhruv.

• Third-Highest Goal Scorer

After Cristiano Ronaldo (128) and Lionel Messi (108), Sunil Chhetri (93) is the most active international goalscorer in the world. Chhetri sits proudly as the third-highest active international goalscorer in the world.

Also Read: Inter Miami loses its first game against Atlanta United

• Almost a Premier League Player

Destiny had other plans, but Chhetri did have a shot at playing in the prestigious English Premier League. He had trials with Coventry Rangers and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the late 2000s. Unfortunately, work permit restrictions due to India’s FIFA ranking at that time prevented him from securing a permanent position.

Also Read: Sunil Chhetri Will Be Seen In Indian Jersey For The Last Time

• The Khel Ratna Award

In 2021, Sunil Chhetri became the only footballer to be conferred the prestigious Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. This recognition stands as a testament to his exceptional contribution to Indian football.

• Musical Influence

Many might not know that Chhetri is a big fan of music. He is particularly fond of Nepali folk music and often finds inspiration in its melodies.

• Charity Work

Beyond the field, Chhetri is actively involved in social work. He established the “Sunil Chhetri Foundation,” which works towards promoting and developing football amongst underprivileged children in India.

• Diet Dedication

He wasn’t always health-conscious, but playing for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal turned him into a near-vegan who avoids sweets.

Indian football superstar Sunil Chhetri will captain the Indian team for the last time on Thursday during a match against Kuwait. The Indian football team will be looking forward to giving a memorable farewell to their captain with a glorious a win. If the Indian team wins this match, then they will become a strong contender to qualify for the last round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

The legacy of Chhetri goes beyond numbers. He is been an inspiration to generations and the hero of Indian football. As the player with the most goals (89) and appearances (131) for his country, he has been a major contributor to India’s rise in the FIFA rankings. His on-field skill and leadership have inspired hope among a population that dreams of winning the World Cup.

Also Read: Saudi Pro League: Ronaldo Breaks Most Goals in a Season

India has a fantastic opportunity to give Chhetri a victorious farewell in Thursday’s encounter. They would be able to make history by qualifying for the World Cup final round if they beat Kuwait. In their last games, the Blue Tigers led by Chhetri, have displayed moments of brilliance. A follow-up show and an addition of magic from their inspired captain might make the dream come true.

Also Read: Real Madrid Wins the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund

Kuwait, however, is a really difficult task. The visiting team has a focused group of players who are hungry to qualify for the World Cup. There will be a severe rivalry for the match, so India will need to perform at their highest level. In order against a strong Kuwaiti attack the Indian defence, commanded by the seasoned Sandesh Jhingan will need to remain unshakeable.

The stadium will be filled with massive cheers from the Indian supporters, whose chants honour Chhetri’s unwavering commitment. The whole country will be glued to their TVs, hoping for a fantastic adventure that ends like a legend.

This is a celebration of an era, not simply a football game. This is an opportunity to see a legend strengthen his place in Indian sports history. There will be a lot of emotion when the last whistle sounds. But one thing is for sure: the Indian football scene will always love Sunil Chhetri’s legacy.