Lionel Messi’s journey in football began two decades ago with his debut for Barcelona in a friendly against Porto. Since then, Messi has achieved unparalleled success, becoming Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. Now at Inter Miami CF, he continues to dazzle fans with his extraordinary skills.
- Messi debuted for Barcelona 20 years ago against Porto.
- He is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals.
- Messi currently plays for Inter Miami CF, maintaining his exceptional form.
The Beginning of an Iconic Career
On November 16, 2003, Lionel Messi made his first appearance for FC Barcelona in a friendly match against Porto. This debut marked the start of a legendary career that reshaped football history. Messi became a pivotal figure in a team that dominated European football, securing 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies during his time with the club.
20 years ago today, Messi made his Barcelona debut in a friendly against Porto 👶
The rest is history ❤️🏆 https://t.co/fdEAaQQmMq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC)
October 16, 2024
Messi’s influence at Barcelona was immense. With 672 goals, he became the club’s all-time top scorer. His record of 474 La Liga goals remains unmatched, and he also provided 192 assists in the league. In 2012, Messi set a record for the most goals in a calendar year, scoring 91 times. His partnership with players like Andrés Iniesta was crucial to Barcelona’s success.
The Journey Continues in America
In 2021, Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain before transferring to Inter Miami CF in 2023. His impact in Major League Soccer is significant, with 18 goals in 24 appearances. Despite the change in environment, Messi’s passion and skill continue to captivate fans worldwide. As Andrés Iniesta retires from professional football, Messi’s career stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.
For more insights into Messi’s extraordinary journey and contributions to FC Barcelona, explore this comprehensive coverage of FC Barcelona, detailing the club’s historical context and player profiles.