Messi’s most iconic moments as he ponders retirement
BBC Sport reviews Lionel Messi’s defining career moments after he suggested he may retire following the death of his father.
– His first hat-trick came aged 19 in a 3-3 El Clasico draw with Real Madrid in 2007.
– A solo Copa del Rey goal against Getafe soon afterwards drew comparisons with Diego Maradona.
– He scored in Barcelona’s 2009 Champions League final win over Manchester United, ending doubts about English opposition.
– Messi struck four goals against Arsenal in 2010 and later scored five against Bayer Leverkusen.
– He broke Barcelona’s all-time scoring record aged 24 and has 921 combined goals for club and country.
– Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory is presented as the greatest achievement of his career.
- Messi has hinted retirement may be near.
- BBC recalls his standout career moments.
- World Cup triumph crowned his achievements.