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The GOAT: Messi completes 15 years at Barca!

Last updated on: October 16, 2019 17:40 IST

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years

IMAGE: Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years. Photograph: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

He is arguably the best player of all time and in the matter of just 15 years Lionel Messi has broken all records there for the taking while becoming a talisman for FC Barcelona.

October 16, 2004, the day Messi made his Barcelona debut against Espanyol in the La Liga. Coach Frank Rijkaard gave the then 17-year-old his first team game bringing him in a as substitute for Deco.

Lionel Messi runs through Getafe players to score during their Copa del Rey match on April 18, 2007

IMAGE: Lionel Messi runs through Getafe players to score during their Copa del Rey match on April 18, 2007. Photograph: Bagu Blanco/Getty Images

Following his debut, Messi made just eight more appearances for the first team that season.

With time he became a first-team regular, mesmerising fans and opponents alike.

Lionel Messi has in the past credited former FC Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho helped him settle at the club

IMAGE: Lionel Messi has in the past credited former FC Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho with helping him settle at the club. Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters

The dimunitive Argentine has worn the Barca jersey in 692 games, scoring 604 goals for the Catalan club.

The 32-year-old has won 10 La Liga crowns, six Copa del Rey titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies along with eight Supercopa wins, three UEFA Super Cup titles and three Club World Cup wins.

The FC Barcelona legend is set to take home his 6th golden shoe later on Wednesday. The award is for ending last season as the top scorer in Europe. This is a record for any player. He also becomes the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years.

Rediff Sports Desk