Lionel Messi, the player many consider the greatest of all time, celebrates his 37th birthday today. Despite gracing the football world for so long, pundits believe Messi still possesses the energy and skill to play until he’s 40.
The Argentine superstar’s trophy cabinet already overflows at 37. Now playing for Inter Miami in the US, Messi’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues as he sets his sights on another Copa America title being held on American soil.
A Legacy of Numbers
Messi’s career boasts staggering statistics: 1065 games played, 837 goals scored, and a mind-boggling 374 assists. He’s a record-breaking eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, a three-time Best FIFA Men’s Player, and has six European Golden Boots to his name.
The domestic accolades are just as impressive. Messi has numerous Pichichis (Spanish league top scorer awards) and is a nine-time MVP of La Liga. In European competition, he’s been the Champions League Top Scorer six times.
Beyond individual brilliance, Messi has lifted a staggering 44 trophies with club and country, including the coveted World Cup trophy he secured with Argentina in 2022. He’s also a Copa America champion (2021) and a La Finalissima winner (2022). Messi’s dominance is further underlined by his two World Cup Golden Balls (2014 and 2022).
How Long Can the Magic Last?
The question on everyone’s lips is: how much longer can Messi keep playing at this elite level? While some pundits believe his 37th birthday might signal a decline, others see his move to a less physically demanding league like Major League Soccer as a way to extend his career.
Only time will tell when Messi decides to hang up his boots. But one thing is certain: Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is already secure.
