Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro, added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career as he scored against Atlanta United, becoming the 100th different team he has netted a goal against. This achievement came during Inter Miami’s latest fixture, marking Messi’s first start and captaincy for the team. In a dazzling display of his skill, he scored two first-half goals, taking his tally to three goals and one assist in just two games since joining the club.
The milestone goal against Atlanta United represents yet another highlight in Messi’s nearly two-decade-long career. His journey to greatness began back in the 2004-2005 season when he scored his first senior goal for Barcelona against Albacete in La Liga. Coming off the bench in the 87th minute, the young Messi showcased his talent by lofting the ball over the goalkeeper after receiving a pass from the legendary Brazilian winger, Ronaldinho.
Messi’s footballing journey commenced much earlier, as he started his career with local clubs such as Grandoli and Newell’s Old Boys in the early 1990s. However, it was at Barcelona where he truly flourished. Making his debut for Barcelona C in 2003, he quickly rose through the ranks, making his first appearance for the senior team as a 16-year-old in 2004. Since then, he has etched his name in the history books with numerous individual and team accolades.
During his time with Barcelona, Messi’s impact on the field was unparalleled. Across almost two decades of service, he made 520 appearances and scored a staggering 474 goals for the Catalan giants. His contributions were crucial to Barcelona’s numerous successes, winning 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. He also lifted 7 Copa Del Rey trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and seven Spanish Super Cups, culminating in an incredible total of 34 titles with the club.
A testament to his exceptional talent, Messi completed two trebles with Barcelona, achieving the rare feat of winning three major titles in a single season. These treble-winning campaigns involved clinching the domestic league title, a domestic cup competition, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
After a glorious spell with Barcelona, Messi embarked on a new chapter of his career by joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. In his first season with the French football giant, he made 58 appearances and scored 22 goals. Messi’s impact was immediate, as he helped PSG secure two Ligue 1 titles in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, alongside a Trophee des Champions title in 2022. With each passing game, Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the record books and cement his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. His remarkable milestone of scoring against 100 different opponents is a testament to his consistency, talent, and longevity in the sport. As he continues to dazzle audiences with his skill and passion for the game, fans eagerly anticipate what other incredible feats he will achieve in the future.