Lionel Messi Turns 37: Five Unknown Records of the Argentina Legend in Football

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Lionel Messi has turned 37 on Monday (June 24). The Argentina legend is a generational talent and is one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Messi has been an accomplished player in both club and international football. From winning individual to team accolades, Messi has excelled across the horizons of the game.

Messi has won the LaLiga title in Spain with Barcelona, so is the UEFA Champions League with the Catalunya club. Apart from that, Messi has won the Club World Cup as well. With PSG, he won the Ligue 1 title.

Messi has been a stalwart for the Argentina national team, but his greatest accomplishment with the national team came in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Messi won the first competitive title with Los Albicelestes by lifting the Copa America. And in 2022, the biggest achievement arrived as Argentina won the FIFA World Cup.

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or 8 times in his career. He is also the current holder of the FIFA Best Player of the Year award. Along with his plethora of records on the football field, Messi holds a few records in the broader aspects as well.

Here are Five records of Lionel Messi which may be unknown or lesser known among the football fans-

Most Puskas Award Nominations

Lionel Messi has been nominated for the Puskas Award 7 times, which is the most by a player. The Argentine was nominated in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019. But the astonishing fact is that he never won the Puskas Award despite so many nominations.

Only Footballer with Laureus Awards

Lionel Messi is the sole footballer to have won the Laureus Football Award when he was first bestowed in 2020. He also won the awards in 2023.

Most Player of the Match Awards in FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi has won 11 Player of the Match awards in World Cup over the years, which is the most by any player in history of the game. The 37-year-old got his first award back in 2010 and been a prolific performer for Argentina since then in the grandest stage.

Messi POTM Awards by Years in FIFA World Cup

1- 2010
4- 2014
1- 2018
5- 2022

Most Goal Contributions in Major International Tournaments

Lionel Messi has the most number of goal contributions in the world when it comes to major international tournaments (Copa America, FIFA World Cup).

The 37-year-old has 13 goals and 18 assists in Copa America, whereas he has 13 goals and assists in the World Cup.

Most Appearances in FIFA/EA Sports FC Team of the Year

Lionel Messi has featured a staggering 16 times in the FIFA team of the year over the years, the most by any player.