With 45 trophies, Lionel Messi becomes the most decorated player in football history. As La Albiceleste defeated Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on Monday morning, Argentina’s legendary Lionel Messi put another feather to his already impressive crown.
After winning the Copa America title, Messi reached a historic milestone: 45 trophies with his club and nation, breaking the previous record held by Dani Alves of Brazil. It has been an incredible journey for the most decorated player in football history to go from a little lad in Rosario.
Messi was sometimes chastised for his lack of international medals, but in just three years, he and Argentina have won four major championships: one World Cup, two Copa Americas, and a Finalissima from 2021 to 2024. Messi has won ten La Liga championships with Barcelona and four Champions League wins during his remarkable club career.
He has won six European Golden Boots and a record eight Ballon d’Ors individually. In 1,068 games, Messi has amassed an incredible 1,212 goals and assists, consisting of 838 goals and 374 assists.
39 of Messi’s 45 titles have come from his club career. Most of these victories were achieved during his 17-year stay at Barcelona. His achievements include four UEFA Champions Leagues (all with Barcelona), twelve league titles (10 with Barcelona and two with PSG), and seventeen domestic cups (15 with Barcelona and one each with PSG and Inter Miami).
In addition, he has three FIFA Club World Cup victories and three UEFA Super Cup victories. Messi won the following tournaments with Argentina: the U-17 World Cup in 2005; the Olympic Games in 2008; the Copa America in 2021; the Finalissima in 2022; and, most famously, the 2022 World Cup, in which Argentina defeated France in the final.
There were obstacles in Messi’s path to triumph in the Copa America final versus Colombia. Messi was replaced in the 64th minute because of a terrible ankle injury, but his influence and leadership were evident the entire game.
Argentina forced extra time into the match, displaying their tenacity. In the 112th minute, Lautaro Martinez’s skill sealed the victory, allowing Messi to join his teammates in celebration and give a nod to the passionate Argentina supporters in the stands.
As a living example of his unmatched skill, tenacity, and love for the game, Lionel Messi’s career serves to confirm his reputation as a genuine football icon.
