Lionel Messi's influence on football extends far beyond the trophies, records, and individual awards he has won over more than two decades, even as his international career approaches its end.
After announcing his retirement from international play several weeks ago, Messi is preparing for an official farewell match, where members of the Argentine team that won the 2022 World Cup have been invited to celebrate his outstanding career.
Examining five key moments that helped change the sport, the following stages of his career can be highlighted.
The first significant moment occurred in March 2007 during the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match, which ended 3-3. At the time, Messi, who was only 19 years old, scored his first hat-trick in the intense El Clásico match at Camp Nou. This match convinced many of Barcelona's exceptional quality. His ability to accelerate, control the ball, and beat defenders was already evident, but his composure under pressure was particularly notable. He stopped being just a promising young player and made his mark on the biggest football stage.
In the past, Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola had a successful working relationship, together winning two Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Another turning point came in May 2009 when Pep Guardiola decided to deploy Messi in the central position of a false nine. This became one of the defining tactical moments of modern football. Instead of staying high between the opponent's central defenders, Messi dropped deeper, forcing defenders into impossible decisions. If they followed him, space opened up behind them; if they left him, he could receive the ball between the lines and attack the defense. Barcelona's 6-2 thrashing of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu was the clearest example of this system's destructive power. Messi's role influenced coaches and teams worldwide, as the false nine became one of the most discussed tactical concepts in football.
2012 remains one of the most outstanding individual seasons in football history. During this year, Messi scored 91 goals in 69 matches for Barcelona and Argentina, breaking Gerd Müller's long-standing record for goals in a calendar year. However, it wasn't just about the numbers. Messi simultaneously acted as a goalscorer, creator, dribbler, and playmaker. He could dictate the flow of matches from the wing, operate centrally, or drop into midfield to suddenly appear in the penalty area. These statistics were exceptional due to the variety of ways he achieved them.
Throughout many years, Messi's international career was accompanied by the inevitable question: would he win the World Cup? He was close to success in 2014 when Argentina lost the final to Germany, but Qatar provided the answer. Messi scored twice against France in one of the greatest World Cup finals before Argentina won on penalties. The trophy completed his international collection and removed the only major achievement missing from his career. It also changed the discussion about his international legacy. Messi ceased to be just the greatest player of his generation trying to emulate past Argentine legends; he created his own World Cup story.
Perhaps Messi's most important contribution to football lies in his ability to evolve. The explosive winger who destroyed defenders with his speed and dribbling gradually transformed into a deeper playmaker and creator. With age, Messi relied less on constantly overcoming opponents over long distances and more on understanding space, passing range, and controlling the tempo of the game. This transformation was particularly noticeable with the Argentine national team. He became the creative center of the team, allowing younger players around him to provide energy and running. The player changed, but the impact remained. Perhaps this is Messi's greatest legacy. He didn't just dominate one era of football; he adapted as the game changed around him and continued to find new ways to influence it. From a teenage phenomenon at Barcelona to the captain who won the World Cup with Argentina, Messi's career has repeatedly challenged our understanding of what one footballer can achieve. And as he prepares to finally say goodbye to international football, debates about his place in football history will continue long after he strikes his last ball.