On October 16, 2004, Lionel Messi played his first official match for Barcelona. He was 17 years old. He came on as a late substitute against Espanyol in La Liga. Barca won 1-0. Deco scored the only goal. Messi replaced Deco in the 82nd minute. He played about eight minutes plus stoppage time. He touched the ball a few times. He showed early signs of his close control and dribbling. The defender marking him later said he did not think Messi was special at the time. That quote is now a funny footnote in football history.
At age 10, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His local club, Newell’s Old Boys, could not pay for the treatment. His family looked for help abroad. In December 2000, Barcelona official Charly Rexach wrote a contract promise on a paper napkin. That napkin helped bring Messi to Barca. Messi joined La Masia at 13. Barca paid for his treatment. He moved up quickly through the ranks. He had already played a friendly for the first team in 2003. But the Espanyol match was his official debut.
That eight-minute appearance was the first of 778 official games for Barcelona. Over 17 seasons, Messi set many records. He scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists. He won 35 trophies, 10 La Liga titles, and 4 Champions League titles. He won 6 Ballon d’Or awards while at Barca. He was La Liga’s top scorer 8 times. He won 6 European Golden Shoes. He became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer. He also became the highest scorer in La Liga history. His first professional contract, signed in 2005, had a buyout clause of €150 million. That was a record for a teenager at the time.
Messi later said he would remember those 10 minutes forever. He called it a dream come true. He said he had waited for that moment for a long time. He also spoke about the nerves and the joy of wearing the Barcelona shirt in a competitive game.
Twenty-two years later, that debut is remembered as the starting point of a legendary career. Messi went on to win the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. That was the one major trophy that had eluded him. Many people now call him the greatest player of all time. Barca marked the anniversary on social media with the message: “22 years ago today, a legend was born.”
Those eight minutes on October 16, 2004, were the first pages of a story football will never forget.
What Did Barcelona Say to Lionel Messi After Argentina Retirement?
Barca sent a message to Messi after his international retirement. The club posted a comment on his Instagram post. Messi announced his retirement from Argentina on Monday. He had played for the national team for over 20 years.
Messi shared a long message on Instagram. He said he wrote the words on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. After his father’s death, he felt even more certain about his decision. He said he always gave everything for Argentina. He said there are great young players who deserve their chance. He thanked fans for 20 years of love. He said he will now support the team from outside. He thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and directors. He said he leaves with peace and pride. He ended with “Vamos Argentina!”
Barca responded in the comments section of that post. They wrote: “You gave it all until your last breath. Your country and all of Barca are proud of the legacy you leave.”
That message shows the strong bond between Messi and his former club. Messi came through Barca’s academy and became the club’s greatest player. He scored 672 goals in 778 games for them. He won 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions Leagues. He also won 6 Ballon d’Or awards while at Barca.
His retirement from Argentina came after a tough year. Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain in July. A few weeks later, Messi’s father passed away. Messi said those events made him sure it was time to step away. He will continue to play for Inter Miami.
FAQs
Q. When did Lionel Messi make his official debut for Barcelona?
A. Messi made his official debut on October 16, 2004, against Espanyol in La Liga.
Q. How old was Messi when he made his Barcelona debut?
A. Messi was 17 years old when he made his official debut.
Q. Who scored the winning goal in Messi’s Barcelona debut?
A. Deco scored the only goal as Barca won 1-0 against Espanyol.
Q. How many goals did Messi score for Barcelona?
A. Messi scored 672 goals in 778 official appearances for Barca.
Q. How many trophies did Messi win with Barca?
A. Messi won 35 trophies with Barca, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
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