Lionel Messi at 37: Top 5 Records by Argentina Captain That May Never Be Broken

• The time is winding down on Lionel Messi’s career as the Argentina superstar celebrates his 37th birthday today
• Messi is arguably the best footballer of all time and has left a mark on the sport that will last for generations to come
• He completed football when he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, his third international trophy for his country

Lionel Messi is celebrating his 37th birthday today, June 24, and as fans pay homage to him, it also drives home the fact that he might not be around for much longer.

The 'little guy', as the Special One Jose Mourinho refers to him, is arguably the greatest footballer of all time and has left his mark on the sport at clubs across the world.

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According to Sports Adda, he has won 44 trophies for club and country, the most of any football and completed football when he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Sports Brief highlights five records set by Messi that may never be broken.

What are 5 Messi records that may never be broken?

1. Most goals in a calendar year - 91

Messi was at the peak of his goal-scoring powers in 2012 and scored a remarkable 91 goals for club and country. He broke the record held by Bayern Munich and Germany legend, Gerd Muller, who scored 85 goals in 1973.

2. Most Ballon d'Or - 8

After guiding Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, he deservedly won the 2023 Ballon d'Or to extend his record for most wins to eight. The closest person to this record is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five. For context, Kylian Mbappe would have to win it every year until he is 33 to match this record.

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3. Most La Liga hat-tricks - 36

The Inter Miami superstar netted 48 hat-tricks for Barcelona, 36 of which came in the league to set a record. He scored his first as a teenager in El Clasico against Real Madrid in 2007, and his last came against Eibar in 2020.

4. Most goals for a single club - 672

According to BR Football, his 672 goals for Barcelona is the most for a single club. He scored his first against Albacete on May 1, 2005, assisted by Ronaldinho, and his last against Celta Vigo on May 16, 2021, assisted by Sergio Busquets.

When he scored his 644th goal to surpass Pele who scored 643 for Santos, Budweiser made custom beer for each goal and sent it to the goalkeepers he scored against.

5. Most Argentina caps - 183 and counting

The 2021 Copa America winner has played 183 games for the national team since his debut in 2005. He is currently with the team in the United States as they aim to defend their Copa title.

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Who are the best players over 35 years?

Sports Brief also previously analysed the best players over 35 years as Messi celebrates his 37th birthday, reminding the fans that the veteran won't be around in the sport for much longer.

His archrival, Cristiano Ronaldo, turned 39 in February and is one of best players entering the final years of careers as well as former Ballon d'Or winners, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.