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On October 16, 2004, Lionel Messi made his debut for Barcelona, marking his arrival in professional football after graduating from the legendary La Masia academy in the Catalan capital. In his first match for Barcelona senior team, the Argentine, who was just 17 years of age at the time, played just eight minutes on the pitch after replacing Deco as a substitute against local rival Espanyol, which the Catalan giants won 1-0.
During his first season with Barcelona in 2004-05, Lionel Messi was reduced to spending most of his time playing for the B team, and his first goal for the senior team came against Albacete in May 2005. From the second season onwards at Barca, he gradually established himself in the first XI before hitting peak form in the 2008-09 season, scoring 41 goals in all competitions.
Lionel Messi won club-record 34 trophies for Barcelona
In the next 10 consecutive seasons at Barcelona, Lionel Messi scored at least 40 goals in all competitions, peaking with a whopping 82 goals in the 2011-12 season. During his 17-year tenure with Barca, he made 778 appearances, scoring 672 goals and providing 269 assists, and his exceptional individual exploits led to him winning seven Ballon d’Or and six golden shoes as well.
Lionel Messi won a club-record 34 trophies during stay at Barcelona, including 10 La Ligas, seven Copa del Reys and Supercopa de Espanas each, four UEFA Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. After leaving Barcelona, the Argentinian played a couple of seasons for Paris Saint-Germain before joining his current club Inter Miami, where he has earned decent individual and team success as well.
Moreover, Lionel Messi is expected to be a part of a special event to commemorate the 125th anniversary celebration of Barcelona on November 29. If he does join the event in person next month, then it will be his first appearance in any capacity at Barcelona after leaving the club in the summer of 2021 via a free transfer.
