13 Incredible Lionel Messi Records That May Never Be Broken

Football icon, Lionel Messi recently called time on his career in Europe ahead of his proposed move to the Major League Soccer.

Messi is set to seal a move to Inter Miami this summer, bringing to a halt his glorious stint in Europe spanning more than 20 years.

The 35-year-old spent the majority of those years with Barcelona, where he initially shot to fame as a youngster.

The Argentine forward would later join Paris Saint-Germain during the 2021 summer transfer window before he unceremoniously quit the French club at the end of this season.

According to Goal, Messi is set to become the new face of the American top flight after spurning a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia, and a homecoming return to Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

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Messi's career in Europe

The ex-PSG star's move to MLS comes at a time he won nearly every available trophy to be won in Europe.

GiveMeSports reports these accomplishments include an unprecedented seven Ballon d'Or awards and six European Golden Shoe awards.

The veteran also won an additional 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and two French Ligue 1 crowns during his time at Parc des Princes.

Sports Brief now takes a look at 13 records Messi holds ahead of his MLS move.

13. Most UCL goals in group stages

Messi is the holder of the record of the most Champions League goals in the group stages, having scored an eyewatering 80 goals in this point of the competition.

While Cristiano Ronaldo - who sits second on the charts - can break the record, the Portuguese is unlikely to ever play in Europe again.

12. Goal contributions in a World Cup

The former Barcelona star holds the record for the most goal contributions in a World Cup. With 21 G/As to his name, Messi sits at the top in the competition, one more than the late, great Pele.

11. Most European Golden Shoes

In his prime, Messi was undoubtedly unplayable. His illustrious career at Barcelona saw him win a number of individual awards, including six European Golden Shoes - the most by any player in history.

10. Most Argentina caps

Messi has earned an incredible 175 caps with Argentina. With the forward yet to call time on his international career, he is likely to add more in the coming months.

9. Most goals for a single club

Messi spent close to 20 years with Barcelona, initially starting off at the academy. He would later make his debut for the senior team in 2004. This longevity saw him score an incredible 672 goals for the La Liga giants - the most by any player for a single club.

8. Most La Liga hat-tricks

Messi holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the La Liga. The Argentina international scored 36 of them with Barcelona.

7. Most El Clasico goals

Still in La Liga, Messi will be leaving Europe as the player with the most goals in El Clasico. He scored 26 goals in the famous Spanish derby between Barca and Real Madrid.

6. Most club honours

Messi has won an eyewatering 37 club honours - thanks to his glorious career at Barcelona and PSG.

5. Most La Liga assists

Messi may be one of the best finishers in the world, yet he is also one of a kind when it comes to providing assists. With 192 set-ups to his name in La Liga, he sits at the top as the player with the most assists in the division.

4. Most goals in a calendar year

2012 was one of Messi's most memorable years in his career. The forward scored an eyewatering 91 goals.

3. Most La Liga goals

Still on Messi and goals - the legendary forward also holds the record for most La Liga goals (474).

2. Most goals in a La Liga season

Messi scored an unprecedented 50 goals in the La Liga during the 2011/12 season - a record that stands to date. Ronaldo came close to hitting the milestone in 2014/15 but fell short by two goals.

1. Most Ballon d'Or awards

Messi is the holder of the record of the most Ballon d'Or awards, with seven of them to his name. The Argentine's arch-rival, Ronaldo, has a still-impressive five.

Messi speaks on GOAT debate

The 35-year-old, who recently picked up his second Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award in Paris, finally weighed in on the debate.

Messi told CNN that simply being considered among the greatest names football had ever seen was an achievement on its own to him.