The UEFA Champions League, previously known as the European Cup, has witnessed numerous football legends throughout its history, with Lionel Messi being one of the greatest to ever compete in the tournament. The Argentine forward made an indelible mark by leading Barcelona to several Champions League titles, creating unforgettable moments for both Barcelona fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.
Messi’s performances in the competition have been remarkable, and many wonder how often he has managed to lift the prestigious trophy. Let’s explore his record in the tournament.
Lionel Messi‘s UEFA Champions League Titles:
Messi has won the UEFA Champions League four times. Although he didn’t play in the final of the 2006 edition, he was part of Barcelona’s squad that season, scoring one goal and providing two assists in six appearances.
Key Moments in Messi’s Champions League Victories:
Messi’s Champions League journey began on November 2, 2005, when he scored his first goal in the competition during a 5-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the group stage. However, his most significant contribution that season came on February 22, 2006, when he scored in a crucial 2-1 away win against Chelsea in the round of 16.
In 2009, with Messi firmly established as a key player for Barcelona, he played a crucial role in their Champions League triumph. He scored twice and provided two assists in a 4-0 quarterfinal win over Bayern Munich. Messi also assisted Andrés Iniesta’s vital goal in the semi final return leg against Chelsea. However, his most memorable moment came in the final, where he scored a header to help Barcelona defeat Manchester United.
In the 2010-11 season, Messi became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League, marking the achievement with a goal in a group stage victory over Panathinaikos. But the standout moment of that campaign was his stunning performance in the semi final first leg against Real Madrid, where he scored twice. Messi also made an impact in the final at Wembley, scoring a goal in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
