Lionel Messi becomes the second footballer in history to win 40 trophies

Lionel Messi becomes the second footballer in history, after Dani Alves, to win 40 career trophies. Messi’s former Barcelona teammate has 43 trophies and now Messi is closely behind the Brazilian. Argentina defeated Italy in the Finalissima (Cup of Champions between the Euro 2020 champions and the Copa America 2021 champions) which is Lionel Messi’s 40th career trophy.

However, the major trophy missing from the Argentine’s cabinet is the FIFA World Cup. He came very close in 2014 before losing to Germany 1-0 in the finals. However, Argentina are one of the favourites for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 considering their form heading into the World Cup.

Lionel Messi’s team are currently on a 32 match unbeaten run under Lionel Scaloni and would hope to lift the trophy in his last World Cup. With time on his side, Messi can overtake Dani Alves and retire as the most decorated football player of all time.

Lionel Messi’s trophy cabinet

Barcelona

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• La Liga (10): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19
• Copa del Rey (7): 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21
• Supercopa de Espana (8): 2005-06, 2006-2007, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2016-17, 2018-19
• UEFA Champions League (4): 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
• UEFA Super Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015
• FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1: 2021–22

Argentina U20

• FIFA World Youth Championship: 2005

Argentina U23

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• Summer Olympics: 2008

Argentina

• Copa América: 2021
• CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima): 2022

Lionel Messi’s individual trophy cabinet

• Ballon d’Or (7): 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021
• FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009
• The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2019
• European Golden Shoe (6): 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014
• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2020
• La Liga Best Player (6): 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15
• Argentine Footballer of the Year (14): 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021

Some of Lionel Messi’s individual records

• All-time top goalscorer of FC Barcelona
• All-time top goalscorer in LaLiga
• Top goalscorer in the 21st century
• Top goalscorer in El Clasico
• Guinness World Record as top goalscorer for a club in a calendar year (91 goals)
• All-time top scorer of national teams in South America
• Most games played as a Barcelona player in its history
• Most trophies won as a Barcelona player
• Most goals in a LaLiga season (50 goals)
• All-time top goalscorer in the Champions League with the same team
• Most games played with Argentina in its history
• Argentinian with most honours
• All-time leading goalscorer of Argentina

_{Stats via Wikipedia and Transfermarkt}