Lionel Messi's Legendary Journey: Stunning Photos That Capture Every Epic Year of Football's Greatest Career

Lionel Messi's path from modest origins in Rosario, Argentina to becoming the world's most celebrated football player has been far from simple.

From receiving a growth hormone deficiency diagnosis in childhood, to joining Barcelona through a napkin contract, to departing the club he embodied amid tearful scenes in 2021, Messi's career has featured unexpected turns, obstacles and pivotal moments.

Nevertheless, it has ultimately been a tale of success. The Argentine has accumulated more personal and collective accolades than any footballer in history, creating brilliance at each stage of his journey.

From weaving runs that bewildered defenders to spectacular strikes on football's grandest platforms worldwide, Messi has provided supporters with lasting memories spanning over twenty years.

Here, we revisit his extraordinary career through photographs from each year of his professional path, starting from 2003—when he made his senior debut for Barcelona—continuing to today.

1. Messi's Barcelona Emergence (2003)

Messi made his Barcelona first appearance at merely 16 years, four months and 23 days of age, entering in the 75th minute of a friendly match against José Mourinho's Porto.

2. Messi Selects Argentina (2004)

Messi could have played for either Spain or Argentina internationally due to possessing dual citizenship, but in 2004 he pledged his allegiance to La Albiceleste by making his first appearance for Argentina's Under-20 squad against Paraguay.

3. Barcelona's Youngest Goal Scorer (2005)

Messi netted his inaugural senior goal for Barcelona on May 1, 2005, versus Albacete, converting from a Ronaldinho pass to become, at that time, the youngest scorer in the club's records.

4. World Cup First Appearance (2006)

Messi made his World Cup entrance at the 2006 competition versus Serbia and Montenegro, entering as a replacement in the 74th minute.

Predictably, in merely 16 minutes, he created one goal and netted another.

5. The Getafe Strike (2007)

In 2007, Messi netted the strike that genuinely announced him globally—weaving past nearly the complete Getafe squad before beating the keeper and placing the ball into the goal.

The strike was immediately likened to Diego Maradona's legendary individual effort versus England at the 1986 World Cup.

6. Barcelona's Fresh No. 10 (2008)

Before the 2008–09 campaign, Messi received Barcelona's legendary No. 10 jersey from new manager Pep Guardiola, inheriting it from club icon and guide Ronaldinho.

7. An Initial Ballon d'Or (2009)

After netting 38 goals across all competitions to help Barcelona achieve the inaugural treble in Spanish football history—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League—in 2008–09, Messi received his first Ballon d'Or that year.

8. Consecutive Ballons d'Or (2010)

Following his inaugural Ballon d'Or, Messi didn't wait long for a second, claiming the award again in 2010 after guiding Barcelona to another consecutive La Liga championship.

Netting 47 goals throughout all competitions that campaign, he also earned his first European Golden Shoe.

9. Man Utd's Greatest Nemesis (2011)

Following a memorable header versus Manchester United in the 2008–09 Champions League final, Messi again dismantled the Red Devils in the 2010–11 final, scoring as Barcelona claimed a 3–1 triumph to capture the trophy.

10. The 73-Goal Campaign (2012)

In 2011–12, Messi delivered possibly the most remarkable single-season statistics any player has ever achieved—73 goals and 30 assists across 60 matches, averaging a goal or assist every 51 minutes.

Remarkably, Barcelona failed to win La Liga or the Champions League that season, but Messi's individual excellence secured him a fourth straight Ballon d'Or, having also claimed the honor in 2011.

That campaign also witnessed him becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer at merely 24 years of age.

11. Partnering with Neymar (2013)

Prior to the 2013–14 season, Barcelona acquired Brazilian prodigy Neymar to create a powerful attacking partnership alongside Messi.

12. World Cup Disappointment (2014)

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Messi and Argentina came up short in the final, suffering a 1–0 defeat to Germany following Mario Götze's extra-time winner.

Despite the loss, Messi received the Golden Ball as the tournament's outstanding player.