FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has single-handedly become more successful than his former club’s arch-rivals Real Madrid since his rise to prominence in 2004.
Messi was awarded his eighth Ballon d’Or by France Football on Monday, moving him three points ahead of contemporary rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the tally for the highest individual honour.
With both approaching their 40th birthdays and now plying their trade in the US and Saudi Arabia, it’s doubtful we’ll see them strutting around for Europe’s top outfits again.
As well as his possible participation in a planned tribute match in which he could play the first half for current club Inter Miami and the first half for the hosts at Camp Nou, 2021 could be the last time we watch Messi wear the jersey of his childhood Period colors. FC Barcelona.
As this chapter is completed, Messi’s legacy in Catalonia is beginning to be questioned.
Critics wonder why the Argentinian won “only” four Champions League titles in 17 years with Barcelona’s first team, in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015.
but as Sports world Columnist Xavier Bos pointed out that Messi was as successful as Real Madrid during that period. They also won the Big Ear Elite Trophy in 2014 and then achieved the “three consecutive championships” from 2016 to 2018.
It doesn’t stop there, Messi has won more Ballon d’Ors than Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema combined and is the most popular player in French football The group’s crowning often overthrows the last three.
Also while in Spain, Messi lifted twice as many trophies in La Liga (from five to ten) and almost four times as many as Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey (from two to seven). and seven Spanish Super Cups (up from four).
The only equal platform is the UEFA Super Cup, with three winners in each edition. Beyond that, we can always look back at the era of Messi and Barca dominance.