20 Unforgettable Images From Lionel Messi’s Career
These 20 powerful images show the most unforgettable moments in Lionel Messi’s football career.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
Lionel Messi’s career is filled with historic and emotional moments, both for his clubs and for Argentina. From his debut as a teenager to winning the World Cup, each photo captures a major achievement or turning point. These images remind fans why Messi is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
1. 2004 – First-Team Debut for Barcelona
Witters Sport-Imagn Images
Lionel Messi made his first official appearance for FC Barcelona in a match against Espanyol. He came on as a substitute wearing jersey number 30. At only 17 years old, he was already showing flashes of his talent. That photo marks the beginning of one of football’s greatest careers.
2. 2005 – First Goal for Barcelona
Offside Sports-Imagn Images
Messi scored his first goal for Barcelona against Albacete at Camp Nou. Ronaldinho assisted him with a clever lob, and Messi calmly chipped the ball into the net. It was a historic moment for the young Argentine. The image shows him celebrating with pure joy on his face.
3. 2007 – First Hat-trick in El Clásico
CSPA-Imagn Images
In a thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid, Messi scored three goals. Each time Barcelona fell behind, he equalized. This was the first time he truly dominated the biggest rivalry in Spanish football. The photo captures his arms raised after completing his hat-trick.
4. 2007 – Maradona-Style Goal vs. Getafe
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line and beat five defenders. He dribbled with incredible balance and speed, scoring one of the greatest goals ever seen. The goal was instantly compared to Maradona’s 1986 World Cup run. The image shows him bursting past the final defender.
5. 2009 – Header Goal in Champions League Final
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Messi scored a rare header against Manchester United in the Champions League final. He leaped into the air and placed the ball perfectly past the goalkeeper. This goal helped seal Barcelona’s 2–0 win and their third UCL title. The photo shows him mid-air, defying gravity.
6. 2011 – Champions League Title Win at Wembley
GEPA/Imagn Images
Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League in 2011 after beating Manchester United 3–1. Messi scored a stunning goal and was named Man of the Match. It was his third Champions League title with the club. The photo shows him lifting the trophy with teammates, smiling in triumph.
7. 2010 – 5–0 Victory over Real Madrid
GEPA/Imagn Images
Barcelona crushed Real Madrid with a five-goal win at Camp Nou. Messi didn’t score but assisted twice and controlled the game. The team put on a perfect display of passing and movement. The photo shows Messi walking off with a tired but satisfied expression.
8. 2005 – First Senior Goal for Argentina
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images
Messi scored his first senior international goal for Argentina against Croatia in a friendly match. It came just months after his debut with the national team. He dribbled through defenders and calmly finished with his left foot. The image captures a young Messi kissing the Argentina badge.
9. 2008 – Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Messi played a key role as Argentina won gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He assisted in the semi-final win over Brazil and helped control the midfield in the final. Argentina beat Nigeria 1–0 to claim the title. The photo shows Messi with the gold medal around his neck and holding the national flag.
10. 2014 – World Cup Final in Brazil
Witters Sport-Imagn Images
Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final after a strong tournament. They lost 1–0 to Germany in extra time, but Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as best player. He created several chances and carried the team through tense knockout rounds. The photo shows him walking past the World Cup trophy, looking heartbroken.
11. 2016 – Copa América Final Loss and Retirement
Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images
After losing the Copa América final to Chile in a penalty shootout, Messi announced his retirement from international football. It was his fourth major final loss with Argentina. The moment was emotional for fans and teammates. The photo shows Messi in tears after the match.
12. 2021 – Copa América Victory Over Brazil
Witters Sport-Imagn Images
Argentina beat Brazil 1–0 at the Maracanã to win the 2021 Copa América. Messi was the top assist provider and was named the tournament’s best player. It was his first major title with the national team. The photo captures him lifting the trophy with a wide smile and tears in his eyes.
13. 2022 – World Cup Victory in Qatar
Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn ImagesMessi scored twice in the World Cup final and led Argentina to a dramatic win over France. He also scored in the penalty shootout and was named the tournament’s best player. This was his crowning moment on the world stage. The
Messi scored twice in the World Cup final and led Argentina to a dramatic win over France. He also scored in the penalty shootout and was named the tournament’s best player. This was his crowning moment on the world stage. The photo shows him holding the World Cup, surrounded by teammates and confetti.
14. 2019 – Goal vs. Liverpool in Champions League Semi-Final
Sipa USA-Imagn Images
Messi scored a stunning long-range free-kick against Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. It was his 600th goal for Barcelona. The ball flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The photo shows Messi standing still, arms raised, as fans erupted behind him.
15. 2023 – Leagues Cup Trophy Ceremony in Nashville
Alan Poizner-Imagn Images
On August 19, 2023, Messi led Inter Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup Final against Nashville SC. The match ended 1–1, and Inter Miami won in a dramatic penalty shootout. Messi scored a powerful goal in the first half and was named Player of the Tournament. The photo shows him during the trophy ceremony at GEODIS Park, smiling with the cup in hand under the Nashville night sky.
16. 2011 – Champions League Victory at Wembley
GEPA/Imagn Images
On May 28, 2011, Messi helped FC Barcelona defeat Manchester United 3–1 in the Champions League Final in London. He scored a crucial goal from outside the box and was named Man of the Match. Barcelona dominated the game with one of their finest performances in history. The photo shows Messi holding the trophy and celebrating at Wembley Stadium with pure joy.
17. 2023 – U.S. Open Cup Semi-Final Win in Cincinnati
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
On August 23, 2023, Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati in a dramatic U.S. Open Cup semi-final. Messi assisted two goals, including a last-minute equalizer, helping the team come back from 2–0 down. After a penalty shootout win, Messi celebrated with goalkeeper Drake Callender on the field. The photo shows both players embracing in front of the crowd at TQL Stadium.
18. 2023 – Free-Kick Winner in Inter Miami Debut
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Messi made his debut for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup and scored a last-minute free-kick against Cruz Azul. The goal came in the 94th minute and won the match 2–1. Fans in the stadium went wild as Messi ran to the corner flag. The image shows him being mobbed by teammates.
19. 2023 – Messi Presents Ballon d’Or in Front of Miami Fans
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
On November 10, 2023, Messi presented his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy to Inter Miami fans before a match against New York City FC. The ceremony took place at DRV PNK Stadium, where supporters cheered as he held the golden ball high. It was a historic moment, marking his first Ballon d’Or win as an MLS player. The photo shows him posing with the trophy on the field, smiling in front of a packed home crowd.
20. 2025 – Final Professional Match (Expected)
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
In early 2025, Messi announced that this would likely be his final season. Fans around the world filled stadiums to see him play one last time. During his final home match, he waved goodbye to supporters in tears. The photo shows him walking off the pitch, hand over heart, as the crowd stands to applaud.