Kenneth AFOR, LAGOS
Argentina great, Lionel Andrés Messi, is arguably the most decorated footballer in history after after Sunday’s World Cup victory over France in Qatar.
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Messi who started his professional football career in July 2000 as youth academy in Barcelona did not envisage that after more than two decades running on the pitch with the round leather object would be this lucky to have come this far titles on his name.
The 35-year-old player came into limelight in 2005 when he was awarded with the golden ball after his country won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in Netherlands defeating Nigeria in the final of the tournament, Messi alongside Nigeria’s Mikel Obi and Taiye Taiwo were recognised as the tournament’s bests.
The 5 foot tall 7 inches number 10 player built on his skills and with the help of his club, Barcelona, he was able to achieve more than virtually most of the players in his club during his 16 year reign in Barça at senior level.
In August 10, 2021 when he decided to leave Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) many thought he would not be able to cope with the style of play in the French Ligue 1 but Messi continued to shine even with his magnificent gifted left foot.
Messi’s 16 year reign in Barcelona at senior have earned more Ballon d’Or, La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup more than any other football players in history.
The icing on the cake for the Argentine was Sunday’s World Cup victory when he made history on Instagram having most likes of about 66,726,805 after posting the trophy.
See below his achievements after more than two decades of footballing career.
10 Spanish La Liga
1 French Ligue 1
7 Copa del Rey
7 Supercopa de España
4 Champions League
3 UEFA Super Cup
3 Club World Cup
7 Ballon d’Or
1 Copa America
1 World Cup