Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He is the second most prolific scorer in football history and the best South American scorer of the national football teams. The 42 official trophies won in his career make him the second player ever for team trophies won.

He is also included in the list of players with at least 1,000 career appearances. He holds the record for goals scored in official competitions both in a single season (82 in 2011-2012) and in a calendar year (91 in 2012) and is the footballer who holds the records for goals (34) and assists (15) in finals in official competitions.

With 35 trophies won he is the most decorated footballer in the history of Barcelona, the club of which he also holds the record for appearances, goals and assists] Together with Luis Suárez and Neymar he was part of the most prolific trident in the history of the club and of Spanish football. He is the record holder of goals and assists in La Liga. He holds the all-time record for goals (50 in 2011-2012) and assists (21 in 2019-2020) scored in a single season in the top five European leagues.

With the Argentine national team, of which he is the record holder for appearances and goals, he participated in the editions of the world championship between 2006 and 2022, and in six of the Copa América, editions between 2007 and 2021.

Individually, he has won the Ballon d'Or seven times, the Golden Boot six times, the FIFA World's Best Player seven times and UEFA's Best Player three times.