When was Lionel Messi in his Prime?

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Lionel Messi has spent the last 2 decades proving himself as football's "Greatest of All Time", evolving with the times and since we're approaching the end of the road, it seems an appropriate time to tribute the great Argentine, asking the question: when did he play his best football?
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#championsleague #worldcup #argentina #psg #barcelona

[@theretroroute]

Is Messi the 🐐?

[@VJ592]

GOAT conditions. Greatest players across 2 generations as team mates. Messi only had 8-12 maximum tough games a season for his entire career. 99% of Messi games were against teams with 10% of the Barca wage bill. 99% of Messi games Barca had 75% possession. Ronaldinho, Eto , Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Neymar, Suarez,Ronaldinho , Henry. Name a player who played with better attackers and midfield as team mates the answer is NO one.

[@rashidrazali9100]

Yes.. absolutely

[@SakiiB69]

@@VJ592 just say ronaldo is the goat, we all know whose asshole you came out of to comment this rubbish

[@trueS_aY]

@@VJ592bros making up new criteria to make himself feel better💀💀, ur only going to annoy urself more with these gizmos as more and more players admit who is the best but anything that helps u sleep at night right?😉😂

[@KidneyJones]

​@@VJ592what💀💀💀

[@rockgamiasedes677]

2007 -2011 : Dribbler messi 2012 -2016: Scorer Messi 2017 -2021: Lone wolf Play maker messi In all of his stages he has changed adapted to what was required of him. He was one of the very few who has been in prime for almost 15 years consistently.

[@ru_BEN10]

Bro said lone wolf

[@lexkanyima2195]

The Rocky Balboa of Argentina

[@AntVaz7]

@@ru_BEN10lone wolf is a stretch, but I get what the guy means, Messi did most things like connecting plays and being in the midfield AND up front all at the same time and by himself, so I get what he means

[@TheOneAndOnlyDonut]

@@ru_BEN10basically means he has shit teammates and carrying hard

[@laujack24]

@@TheOneAndOnlyDonut basically, barcelona was not the same after 2015. all the core squad from 08 r aging or retire/left already by 2017. with neymar departure, its almost down two few old fart carrying. but eventually we all know its just messi. I'm pretty sure if you put 2017 to 2021 messi to the same barcelona squad he got in 2008 to 2012 he will win all the CL. its a shame when he was at his absolute peak in terms of experience and ability barcelona has past their peak. if u look at ronaldo career and messi career, they r like the mirror opposite of one another.

[@Krato65]

Messi's different prime 2009-2012 : Goalscorer, dribbler, trophies, awards. 2015 : Playmaker, complete player, record breaker. 2019 : One man army, carrying the team, statistical anomaly. 2021-2022 : Ultimate comeback, fulfilling the dream and ending the prophecy.

[@anesumcdonald8548]

true 100%

[@user-rf1lm9id3i]

@@anesumcdonald8548 all of them had been one of the other at one point

[@dieauferstehung]

he became the GOAT in 2022. proved everyone wrong

[@flash0367]

Lol now scoring 5 penalties in a 8 game tournament is considered ultimate comeback

[@Krato65]

@@flash0367 In that same tournament someone scored 0 goals in the knockouts. And publicly announced he would retire if he had won that 8 game. 🤣 And now crying because someone else won that 8 game. 🌝 PAIN.

[@schn11x]

Just the fact that Lionel Messi can be considered as the best striker, the best assistmaker, the best passer, the best dribbler, the best freekick taker, the best penalty shooter and the best playmaker of all time or at least can be in serious discussion at each category plus being overall at least world class for about 15 years in the most competitive sport in the world, proves what an outstanding sportsman he is and what an outstanding career we are talking about.

[@brice6389]

bros the best of all time clear of everyone but i have to be honest he's not the best penalty shooter lmao

[@user-en1mj8uc5f]

​@@brice6389agree lol, except for that I think I'd take Messi on any offensive side just coz he's that powerful in games, mans literally a one man club

[@lGNITED]

Free kick?? What?

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

​@@user-en1mj8uc5fThere is no one man club. Messi did it because team.played that way. They covered up the space when Messi dropped deep and pressed more when Messi was weak at it in his final years ,, also was able to find Messi and give him ball. Gave Messi whole freedom to create and score.

[@user-en1mj8uc5f]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t that are just the basics of being a great footballer. there are many stars in la liga and UCL. the difference is that only messi can make the difference in the team, not even suarez could keep up. thats why i say that messi is a one man club

[@valentijnbarendse9044]

The fact that 2013 he was even better than 2012 and wouldve again broken the goal record if he didnt get injured

[@vb2388]

46 goals in 32 Laliga games…absurd

[@frenkie1281]

18/19 season was the most complete version of Messi

[@KidneyJones]

Definitely, and to add to that he almost singlehandedly carried barca to a treble

[@stopka969]

totally agree man, that season was the greatest carry job ever

[@Vikrxntt]

The fact that messi was playing very deep basically as deep playmaker and still managed to win pichici award and golden boot that season. And to mention he scored most freekicks that season.

[@argenisjrg]

​@@Vikrxntt It's still painful how most of his teammates (specially Dembélé) failed him at Anfield. It would have been a more epic UCL campaign than any of Ronaldo's.

[@Vikrxntt]

@@argenisjrg tbh Barca could have still lost even if dembele finished that chance. Because you really think the team who literally scored 4 against them can't score one more? Yeah btw if Barca won UCL that season that would have been perfect

[@chanendlerbong]

Two primes of Messi for me 2010-2013 - scoring prime 2015-2019 - complete prime

[@ModernFootball866]

Spot on

[@McCheetos]

2022 is the leader prime.

[@CDmusic10]

​@McCheetos Yep. And 2023 is his marketing prime (going to the United States. I'm not saying that's a good or bad thing) lol.

[@VictorDurand-me5yu]

his prime is from 2008 to 2016 Id say

[@ryanergo754]

​​@VictorDurand-me5yu He was ridiculous in both 2018 and 2019 as well. Specially 2019. If Barcelona didn't become Tottenham two years straight in the CL away 2nd leg, I am sure those two years would have been considered the best in his career.

[@ctr1502]

That assist against Croatia where he totally skinned Gvardiol - a man who Is young, quick, tall, strong, and Europe's hottest defending talent... that was sensational. When you think of messi, the 2022 world cup was the full evolution of messi's attacking abilities. From winger, to striker, to false 9, to playmaker, midfielder, leader. I don't think anyone will replicate him - his play style, his numbers, his trophies. If we ever do, I suspect I won't be around to see it.

[@JD-hh2qb]

No one will never be around to see something that like Messi again. Truly Poetry in Motion

[@roxey7845]

For me it's the 2018/2019 season when he almost single handedly carried a bad barca team to winning the champions league i will never forget this season

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

I dont think Barca needed Messi to amwin against Lyon or United. But Liverpool...if course. The first match. But then they got destroyed.

[@tcmcity51]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6tworst take ever look at Barca after Messi straight to Europa league and still couldn’t win

[@rishabhsrikar9514]

​@@user-bi5nw4vp6t Having followed Barca very closely for the past decade and a half, no. That team had a waning Suarez, Alba, Rakitic, and Pique all of whom looked extremely vulnerable. Coutinho was a disaster. It was Ter stegen and Busquets who helped Messi take Barca to those levels. From an attacking POV he was Barca. To put things in context, we had Kevin Prince Boateng as our attacking backup. Honest to god, Messi was using Vidal as a wooden board to ping one twos off 😅

[@etiennegayoso3466]

@@rishabhsrikar9514 Exactly, this season he was godlike, playing at his own pace, involving everyone. Tied free kicks records in a season (8), 50+ goals +20 assists and now as the assumed leader of Barcelona. The bad ending with Liverpool makes the things forgotten a bit, but w/e he's the GOAT for everyone now.

[@Jeff_2x]

I still find it UNREAL that Messi somehow had 30 assists with 73 goals in 2011-12 and that STILL isn’t even considered his playmaking PEAK!

[@delta2370]

Actually it was 82 goals and 34 assists. National team goals count. 116 G+A in one season is actually mental.

[@vb2388]

From Feb 2012 to Feb 2013…He actually scored 100 goals..

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@DLFitness1]

Never has there been a player to almost put tears in my eyes. Messi will never be replicated.

[@davidkariu2330]

Valbuena?

[@rhino_2832]

2009: greatest trophy winner 2010: greatest youngster 2011: greatest UCL performance 2012: greatest goalscorer 2015: greatest playmaker 2019: greatest one-man army 2021: greatest assister 2023: greatest in history

[@KidneyJones]

Hid 11/12 campaign was the best individual season of all time in terms of goals, assists and g+a, he had the most goals in a season(73) the most assists in a season(31) and the most goal contributions in a single season season(104)💀💀 messi isn't normal

[@atomaticom1821]

Messi literally won the league in 2010. What do you mean with that?

[@rhino_2832]

@@atomaticom1821 whoops

[@daradoesntcare6803]

he wasnr a youngster in 2010 he was bloody 23

[@pj1893]

As one who watched his entire career. I'd say your description is Perfect!

[@grinchoi1]

this guy is soooo good he only competes of only different versions of himself. The greatest player ive ever seen by far

[@richarddehoop2824]

Messi around 2009-2011 was just magical. How fast he could change direction while sprinting at full speed, all of the micro touches during his runs. No-one stood a chance, never seen anything since.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

He became best in world in March , April time 10. Before that he was great but was losing ball too. He hit his peak in 10 to 13. An injured 14 then 15 was great.16-19 too hir involvement in attack was superb.

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@TheLightningPete]

You need to understand that, as an argentinian, Messi is really the argentinian you can be proud of, in and off the field, no scandals, no bad shade. Truly the goat 🐐

[@polpuig198]

Unpopular opinion Messi peaked in 2018-19. I cannot stretch enough how much we were carried by two men alone, Messi and Ter Stegen. We weren't better, we hoped Messi did magic, and he did, That's why the Anfield counterback, the team was self destroying and under a bit of pressure crumbled, how we went 3 up in the first leg? Lionel Andrés Messi.

[@argenisjrg]

Exactly. If Dembélé had scored at Camp Nou from a pass that Messi gave him, the comeback at Anfield probably would have never happened.

[@polpuig198]

@@argenisjrg No, my point is exactly the opposite, The team was only Messi, But he can't carry the whole team, they would have scored 4 anyways and went to extra time were we would lose anyway, can't know for sure since I'm no visionary

[@argenisjrg]

@@polpuig198 I'm not so sure. The letdown for losing 4-0 at the first leg would have been way bigger than 3-0. But we agree that Messi and Ter Stegen were pretty much the whole team.

[@dariogutierrez6716]

Substituting Vidal was sheer insanity in that away leg.

[@Gokulra-gq5qj]

ur forgetting ter stegen he was just as good as messi, messi's overall prime was 2018/19 but physically his prime was in 2015 in fact in my opinion 2015 was his best 2019 may have looked like prime because other players(excluding ter stegen and possibly vidal to some extent), others looked pathetic, but if u've followed u would clearly his 2015 year was far better he could do sprints, pressed heavily, started playmaking, scored insane amount of goals, broke records too. In the first leg too u see it was liverpool who dominated thanks to messi, ter stegen and liverpools sqaundered chances barca won.

[@Shubham10SrP]

2011 version of messi was absolutely prime . No player can take on teams like he did almost every single game by himself, box to box runs without a break and the ball glued to his foot

[@BluesFanUK_]

He hit god mode soon after Xavi and Iniesta left - i've never seen a Club as big as Barcelona be so reliant on one individual. He had better seasons as a dribbler or goalscorer in previous years, but 2017-2021 he was about as complete as an attacking player can get, and he was doing it in a very ordinary Barcelona team - the sides who capitulated against Roma and Liverpool were fucking woeful.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

There was never ordinary Barca team. They had great chemistry together. The biggest blunder Barca did was bringing players that do role similar to Messi like Griezman. Griezman is outstanding player but how will he work with Messi. Or you need a Pep Guardiola to find it.

[@manan612]

⁠@@user-bi5nw4vp6tThey were over reliant on Messi after Neymar left. Barcelona’s last great team was 15-16. After that, they kept declining & there’s no wonder why. They replaced Neymar with Dembele, Xavi & Iniesta with players like Artur, Vidal, Coutinho & never found a replacement for Dani Alves. Suarez was also a disappointment in the UCL after 2016.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@manan612 I think team was great in la liga until 18,, 19 we can't analyse because of weakest la liga ( RM and ATM were not impressive). The UCL humiliations started posted 17. And like what I said they bought players similar playstyle of Messi. Coutinho and Griezman. Dembele always was injured.

[@manan612]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t From 17-18 to 19-20 in the UCL, they only won if Messi had a phenomenal performance. Messi dragged them through vs Chelsea in 2018, put on a show vs Lyon, United & Liverpool (1st Leg) & produced a piece of magic vs Napoli in 2020. During this time, if Messi’s game fell from a 5 star performance to just a good game, Barcelona were a shambles. I’ve never seen anything like it.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@manan612 Not bringing that. Messi was teams chief playmaker and scorer in 15. Then he got injured and left 9 games. Barca won all those games including a Real 4-0. So one player is scoring doesn't mean they will lose without him. Without Messi another strategy. See in 19 without Messi Barca beat Real 5-1

[@Jeff_2x]

The thing with Messi you TRULY don’t know. He was a goalscoring machine with 73 goals and 30 assists in 2011-12. More well rounded with 58 goals and 31 assists in the 2014-15 season and you have his carry job with 51 goals and 22 assists in 2018-19. Truly the GOAT

[@olartio2185]

Everyone knows he was in his prime during blatter years. He is a good BOY.

[@Dinozor3]

@@olartio2185 yes penaldo was a good boy and in his prime during refs prime days

[@olartio2185]

@@Dinozor3 no one takes the "good BOY" slave name from messi

[@midget420]

@@olartio2185 go cry somewhere else pendu fan. Penaldo is the only player that won a ballon dor without winning a single trophy

[@olartio2185]

@midget420 messi won it after a degenerated loss 2 - 8 . And now he got humiliated again with miami in last place and 6 - 0 loss . Messi was blatters little pet

[@jaxxgotgame8881]

2010-2011 season is prime Messi, where he had a balanced season with an unbelievable individual season along with a league and Champions league title.

[@bughinbughin8774]

I dont care what anyone says no one will ever top him. He could do absolutely anything he wanted whenever he wanted by himself there are robots like ronaldo but then their is a genius like messi

[@figo007tv]

Top him? Pause yo

[@LucinaMeow]

​@@figo007tv🤨

[@MuhammadAlFatihFatehmessi]

2022: the man on the mission 2019: one man army 2015: the treble winner 2009-2012: goal top scorer

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@Yahthatguy]

No one can even come close to Messi 🐐 No one can repeat the things he has done 🐐 once in a lifetime player 🐐

[@m3ga975]

The most complete player I have ever seen the GOAT of football 🐐

[@BigFish83]

​@@vwqwe-gh6tdRonaldo fan in disguise

[@_Cyxnide]

@@vwqwe-gh6td what was he like when you "saw" him play?

[@qwertyzxccvk]

​@@_CyxnideRonaldo fans😂😂 ronaldo not even top 5

[@KidneyJones]

​@@qwertyzxccvk you're stretching it💀

[@KidneyJones]

​@@vwqwe-gh6tdyou act like you've seen him play😂

[@chanendlerbong]

2008-2016 - Beardless Messi 2016-2021 - Beard Messi 2021- - Beardless/Beard Messi

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@Mono_303]

Whatever you needed from Messi, being goals, assists, playmaking, or everything all at once he can do.

[@jillvalentinedontcryformea8966]

Every version of Messi is his prime

[@AA2000_]

Messi is always in his prime

[@cynthiandlovu9670]

YES indeed

[@MrK.A]

My favourite player. One of the happiest moments of my life was seeing him win the world cup.

[@chisomchibuzo1204]

Real ones know the peak of his powers was between 09- 12 he may have gotten more intelligent later on, but his footballing ability peaked then with the help of his good teammates and the 4 ballondors in a row reflect that

[@cooglehoogle844]

2012 Messi was INSANE

[@abhei1226]

This video is so emotional 😭 we fans seriously missed him 😭… I want him to end his career in Barca 🫶❤️

[@thesavage5799]

2010/11-2011/12 absolute peak

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@AyoMophizzle]

one of the best documentaries out there... masterpiece

[@sachithrahasaral7239]

Those messi touches on the football are somthing else 🤤

[@ModernFootball866]

*Messi from the 11/12 season until 13.01.2013:* *vs top 3 league teams:* 6 games | 11 g/a | 1,83 g/a p90 Without penalties:11 g/a | 1,83 g/a p90 4,83 successful dribbles p90 + 1 non-opta assist *vs top 4 league teams:* 9 games | 19 g/a | 2,11 g/a p90 Without penalties:17 g/a | 1,89 g/a p90 4,33 successful dribbles p90 + 1 non-opta assist *vs top 5 league teams:* 12 games | 24 g/a | 2,00 g/a p90 Without penalties:22 g/a | 1,83g/a p90 4,92 successful dribbles p90 + 2 non-opta assists *vs top 6 league teams:* 15 games | 31 g/a | 2,07 g/a p90 Without penalties:28 g/a | 1,87g/a p90 5,00 successful dribbles p90 + 2 non-opta assists *vs top 7 league teams:* 18 games | 38 g/a | 2,11 g/a p90 Without penalties:35 g/a | 1,94 g/a p90 4,94 successful dribbles p90 + 2 non-opta assists *vs top 8 league teams:* 21 games | 45 g/a | 2,14 g/a p90 Without penalties:41 g/a | 1,95 g/a p90 5,00 successful dribbles p90 + 3 non-opta assists *Finals:* 7 games | 12 g/a | 1,71 g/a p90 Without penalties:11 g/a | 1,57 g/a p90 *UCL group:* 10,31 games | 17 g/a | 1,65 g/a p90 Without penalties: 15 g/a | 1,45 g/a p90 2,81 successful dribbles p90 + 1 non-opta assist *UCL knockouts:* 6 games | 10 g/a | 1,67 g/a p90 Without penalties: 8 g/a | 1,33 g/a p90 4,00 successful dribbles p90 + 1 non-opta assist *vs top 5 nations:* 2 games | 4 g/a | 2,00 g/a p90 Without penalties: 4 g/a | 2,00 g/a p90 *vs top 10 nations:* 3 games | 6 g/a | 2,00 g/a p90 Without penalties: 6 g/a | 2,00 g/a p90 *vs top 20 nations:* 6 games | 12 g/a | 2,00 g/a p90 Without penalties:11 g/a | 1,83 g/a p90 *vs top 30 nations:* 8 games | 14 g/a | 1,75 g/a p90 Without penalties:13 g/a | 1,63 g/a p90 *El Clasicos:* 9 games | 12 g/a | 1,33 g/a p90 Without penalties:11 g/a | 1,22 g/a p90 5,33 successful dribbles p90 (league) *All these games combined:* 53,31 games | 97 g/a | 1,82 g/a p90 Without penalties:87 g/a | 1,63 g/a p90

[@joshuanwogu2356]

damnnnn

[@pkay4405]

Greatest individual peak ever

[@roshaningle5968]

He is always in his prime ❤

[@SightedRain40]

This video is a masterpiece. 👏 the little magician has brought me so much joy 🥹

[@alexandrospaspardanis3072]

Every time I rewatch this the more I appreciate its attention to detail. The angles and editing of the clip selection, the phrasing in the narration, the music selection, even the exact moment when the new track kicks in, everything is simply masterfully done. A Messi documentary fitting to this man’s brilliance.

[@T33gger]

Wow we kids really missed this?🥺 I never knew he was this gooooood!!!!!!!

[@BSG1892]

2009-13 he was unplayable. Still unbelievable after this (I know he won another treble with MSN later) but during that 4 year stretch there was Lionel Messi & then every other peasant in football. Nothing could stop him. Yes, Inter won the UCL in 2010 but that’s because Barca messed with a winning formula bringing in Ibra who didn’t fit at all and giving Inter Eto. There’s every chance he could have won 3 UCLs in a row during that 4 year period

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

Xavi was more important than Messi until 10. It was such a legendary team...Messi had the numbers ..Xavi controlled the whole game

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@milktea2422]

I feel like Messi can have as many primes as he wants. 2012, 2015, 2022 And there’s other seasons where he did just as well. However I’ll always say 2014/15 Messi was my favourite version of him. Probably because MSN had became a thing and they really were dominant.

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@akiprox7]

Messi was never in his prime. His prime was in him.

[@dinosutra]

Messi has different Primes: 2008-2015: Club Prime 2016-2020: Lone Warrior Prime 2021-Present: International Prime Personally I Love "Lone Warrior Prime" because during that time he was carrying Barcelona alone like a one man army.

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@NE0_Messi]

Wow, what a great video! I like how you divided his primes into separate categories. Maybe you could add one more: "The INTERNATIONAL Prime" In the 2020s, his best football may have been behind him, but Messi was certainly at his most decisive for La Albiceleste, bossing the Copa America, Finalissima, and of course the World Cup. Doing just enough from each of his previous primes proved to be the perfect formula for Argentine glory, and he finally attained immortality in the eyes of his countrymen, something that was long overdue for someone who many had already dubbed the GOAT! 🐐

[@ochoymedio78]

Exactly. Most of people forget that, nevertheless he could score +50 or assist +20 at Barcelona, at Argentina, the pressure would overpower him. From 2019 on, specially in 2021 and 2022 he became inmortal, he became the best at the best tournaments, where it matters most, for your country, for glory.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

His international career is overrated tbh. Three teams, Brazil , Uruguay, Chile...that are competitive Messi can't do it against them. Even Copa 21 final he was worst player in that match. WC 22 is an exception but softpens ...,( May be modern rules)

[@ochoymedio78]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t you clearly didn't see the matches, so I urge you to watch football before you write nonsense. Against Chile and Uruguay he scored the goal and provided the assist for those matches, and was the unconditional leader...you didn't see shit. 5 goals and 5 assist in Copa America 21,...my god the ignorance. And worst player in the final? The amount of hate you have towards Messi is only rivaled by your ignorance of the game and lack of matches watched. If you say that is because you CLEARLY didn't see that final. Period.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@ochoymedio78 Lol...Final 🤣🤣🤣...Don't make me laugh kidoo...not even a good move he did in that final. And wasted a golden chance. Are u arguing that he did well in that final ?? Messi always dissapears when he play against top teams in international Copa tournaments and almost everytime b4 WC 22. It's not a debate.

[@ochoymedio78]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t again, you only watched the highlights, because your argument is that he missed one chance in the final is the only thing you got. You said he didn't do nothing against Uruguay (assist in the 1-0) and CHile (goal in the 1-1) and in the Copa America 21 in general: named man of the tournament with 4 goals and 5 assists. Was involved in EVERY argentine goal...but, according to you, who haven't seen any 90 minute match of that copa, he wasn't relevant.... ahahahah

[@diegooregon4481]

My favorite prime will always be 2008-15 really showed how great of a player he was. A player who had everything. Dribble, Pace , and most importantly a Intense mentality to win.

[@user-pt2ug1po1c]

He is my idol I look up to Lionel Messi ❤

[@danasaeed9018]

When Leo Messi Was 35 Years Old And Won The World Cup, And Won The Best Player Of That World Cup, THAT IS LEO'S MESSI PRIME!!!! He Was, IS And ALWAYS IN HIS PRIME.

[@lxfj2128]

2015-2020 complete player prime 2008- 2015 dribbling and goalscoring prime

[@leanth9781]

Depends on how we see it, there are so many versions of Messi. I think from 2009 to 2013 he was the scariest for defenders, able to dribble through a whole team, deadly in front of goal, quick and literally unstoppable. Physically speaking, he was at his prime during that time (scored plenty of clutch goals at club level as well). From 2014 to 2019, feels like his most complete version. His passing became god tier, great playmaking (was already class before though) while still able to terrorize defenders with his dribbling and scoring plenty of great goals (freekicks became true weapons). For me, older Messi since 2019 is my favorite because his football brain entirely covered for his physical decline. His WC Final was ridiculous, he almost did everything perfectly every time he had the ball. He reached a level of maturity in terms of reading the game and handling pressure which, coupled with his footballing abilities, created a perfect mix. May not be the best version since his dribbling and finishing kinda fell off compared to 2015 or 2011, but this version was the most confident version of him, which enabled him to win the WC.

[@SPQSpartacus]

The story, where Ronaldinho said the 17-year old Messi was the future Goat is the best example of how impressive Messi was even at that time.

[@ZtkW816]

Messi in 10/11, 11/12, 12/13, 14/15 and 18/19 was a better player than CR7 in his best season - that's how good Messi was in his prime

[@Luis-gz7pr]

You forgot 08/09, 09/10 and 16/17.

[@bozoslayer5858]

@@Luis-gz7prMessi was not better in 16/17. Cristiano won everything there as possible to win and was also better individually

[@user-uk3dm5yj9o]

@@bozoslayer5858he didn’t say Messi is better than cr7 in that season..

[@jonnybarron1518]

@bozoslayer5858 You didn’t understand what he said. He said if we take Ronaldo best season (maybe 07/08, or 14/15 for example) Messi has multiple season that are above it. Like 10/11, 11/12, 12/13, 14/15 and 18/19.

[@bozoslayer5858]

@@jonnybarron1518 I’ll agree with 11/12 but every other Messi season is not better than 07/08 Cristiano. He is so underrated that year like he won the prem and the double with a team that cost half the amount of prime Barca. In the premier league as well which is the hardest league. I will admit that Messi in 11/12 was better tho.

[@mr-is2bf]

Every year since 2007 until lets say 2020 is meesi prime

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@LNLBD]

Impossible to answer, really. He kept reinventing himself. I would go with 2018-2019 season as it was his most complete version. But his ultimate prime came during the World Cup in Qatar.

[@IsaacEzra]

Is a lie ... How old are you??... I don't even think u ever watched Messi from the very onset... Messi is Prime!!! He doesn't have a prime... He is just Prime!!

[@Ryjxz]

CR7 and Messi really have just been in one long continuous prime

[@destro3804]

there is no prime for messi there is messi for prime

[@MeidoVegeta]

He was electric during the 06/07 season.

[@Apersonfarfaraway]

2008-09: Most trophies. 2011-12: Goalscoring and statistical peak. 2018-19: Most complete. 2014-15: Best season overall.

[@mugofporridge]

I was 8 when he first burst onto the scene, 10 when I got to know about Leo Messi. I'm glad to have lived through this fairytale 🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️. I'll be dead soon, but I swear I lived 😢😢🥲

[@robin.vlogging]

Messi is one in a kind! we will never ever see someone like him again, extremely lucky whose born in this era to enjoy him.

[@f5anabolic]

It depends on what you want. But 1 year/ season stands out. Stats: Messi (2011) - 96 G/A Messi (2012) - 113 G/A Messi (2016) - 90 G/A Titles: Messi (2009) - Sextuple Messi (2011) - Quintuple Messi (2015) - Quintuple Individual Performance: Messi (2011) - Madrid & Manchester Messi (2015) - Bayern & Bilbao Messi (2019) - Man U & L1 Liverpool Notice how there’s one common year in all 3 categories, the year 2011 or the 2010/11 season is Messi’s best/ greatest of his entire goated career.

[@Nothing-lr3dt]

Facts

[@jerrymcallister]

He was never in his prime. He is just flatline greatness

[@DarthwRath]

He is The God of Football. Light-years ahead of everyone else and we just will never see another genius like him.

[@ronin9296]

Physically he wasn’t the same after his injury in 2013. But the genius in him was always there adapting, mprovising and calculating new ways to win games

[@nwodeemmanuel8627]

This is the most relishing clip I've watched in a long time 😊. I played back so many times to relisten, rewatch and re-enjoy a lot of moments. Thank you so much for this compilation❤.

[@samach739]

Mom wake up!!!! RetroRoute has finally released the video of Messi in his prime. 😊🙌

[@stevelouis2203]

One of the best dcumnentaries and break down of messi that I've ever seen, Great Video!!

[@nxt1990]

Messi was in his prime his whole life. He’s just the goat from birth. Guaranteed he’s not human. Impossible.

[@moonix9797]

Bro finally made a Messi one. I watched the Ronaldo one a ton, and I was super excited about this! Edit: Thanks for the heart! Will you do one on a retired player? Maybe someone like Thiery Henry?

[@danhoppy5517]

Couldn't help but have a smile on my face watching this. I don't think there is much debate about who is the greatest any more. Even Maradona, who was phenomenal at his peak, didn't have the longevity.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

Can Messi do what Diego did with Napoli or Argentina in that difficult time. I dont think in 10 lives he can't. Messi is finest this generation but all time. Nope.

[@cynthiandlovu9670]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t the problem is you only look at it from Maradona's angle if i ask you can Maradona do it in Messi's era where everything is improved, be it fitness of players, tactics, no more part timers playing football, better opponents in general and so forth.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@cynthiandlovu9670 Yess. But Maradona is not playing with 90s boot,90s training,90s FOUL RULE in modern era. Maradona would be getting all these with improved facility. The way to look is difficulty level. Maradona did that when brutally fouled every 5 minutes. We have to consider that. And there was no weapon in attack against brutal fouls which recieve less punishment. In modern both defense and offense improved. Maradona without fouls in modern era in 80s training would be one of best. And if he get modern training, facility nutrition he would be head and shoulders above rest

[@cynthiandlovu9670]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t but he will be now playing against the best defenders as compared to part timers. Don't only look from his side. for example Its easy to say a boxer is good when boxing against non technically gifted boxers up until they find their match. I have never heard any defender from the Maradona era being praised as compared to today. hope you understand from my point of view.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@cynthiandlovu9670 Lol...Are u serious?? 80s and 90s saw the greatest defenders the world has ever seen. Modern footballers has not even half skill level of Scirea, Baresi or Matheus or no one dangerous and brutal as Gentile or Andoni.Your knowledge is so poor in old football. The thing that is developed now is tactics and against that attacking tactics too became better. For an attacker it's easiest era and it's not an argument. Also the billion dollar teams vs average team scenario didn't exist that time.

[@niyomugabobosco2338]

He was born to play football!

[@nanettecormier8513]

He has always been a joy to watch. This is a beautiful video! Thank you!!!

[@scorpiogaming8238]

Loved the video❤

[@beotho]

2010-2013 prime

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@rikard.h]

This was so well written! Great video all around 👏👏👏

[@Roy-sr6gs]

I would like to go to the past to see him play at his best again, it was truly amazing

[@marcalesti]

messi is always at his prime

[@maxphilly]

Prime prime is from 2008-2015 longest standing prime record of all time. 2008 mega dribbler speed demon, 2009 he put on muscle gain strength and power still a super dribbler now with great playmaking skills and power shots. 2010 a god on the pitch. 2011 an even greater god with more refined skills in every aspect. 2012 the greatest goal scoring ability I've ever seen even translated to stats. 13/14 a one man army while perfecting his playmaker capacity. 2015 another monster version of Messi and now perfected playmaking plus many years of experience while still being somewhat young. There's individual years or season after this but his peak continuity was 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015. The only player to have so many peak years in a row and even having the ability to shift to certain preferences like speedster or goal scorer dribbler and play maker he did whatever he wanted a unique human in all of human history.

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@martinsakeredolu7509]

Clicked on this intending on watching a few minutes and ended up watching it in its entirety. Great video. Very well made.

[@curtispatrick6475]

Messi will go down as the peak of football. There will be players that end up statistically better than him one day but nobody will ever be able to outdo the storyline and pure magic of him. It won't ever be replicated, can't wait until a box office movie is made about him

[@mohdnazri7126]

1. young messi (the dribbler) 2. false 9 messi (the playmaker) 3. 91 goals messi (the goalscorer) 4. MSN messi (all 3 above in 1) 5. 18-19 messi (the complete/perfect version) 6. world cup messi (the old but wiser)

[@alexandreneves445]

Messi's prime has been since the day he was subbed in to score a wonder to this day. He's the Greatest by far from all of the other contestants. No one has ever played better, longer and more beautiful than him.

[@gabrielleAW]

2019 is his prime "one man army" version, the man who carried barca in one season, just need 3 games to win trebel single handedly, winning many individual awards ballon dor, fifa best, golden shoe, top score UCL, laliga and more.

[@brosiph.]

Messi had 3 primes 2007-2015 was his club prime. Won everything 2015-2020 was his lone wolf prime. Prime Barca was over and he was still winning. 2020-Now is is international prime. Won copa America and World Cup.

[@fernandoenriquez432]

The young messi at newlls boys was already great

[@aminao0404]

i grew up on messi in barcelona and watching him win the world cup was so amazing, little me was waiting for that for so long

[@tcmcity51]

2018/19 was underrated

[@IdealPlaysIG]

Form Is Temporary, Class Is Permanent.

[@pauliyonas3576]

His prime is from 2008 to 2019 but for me his best season is 2014/15

[@messii648]

In terms of everything in success and good year all around Messi 2015 is his best year he won every single trophy, has iconic goals too. His style changed to playmaker in 2015 it was so good

[@jaberahmed8449]

Lionel Messi Every year goals and assist (2005) 03 Goals - 04 Assist (2006) 12 Goals - 03 Assist (2007) 31 Goals - 12 Assist (2008) 22 Goals - 18 Assist (2009) 41 Goals - 15 Assist (2010) 60 Goals - 17 Assist (2011) 59 Goals - 37 Assist (2012) 91 Goals - 22 Assist (2013) 45 Goals - 16 Assist (2014) 58 Goals - 21 Assist (2015) 52 Goals - 26 Assist (2016) 59 Goals - 31 Assist (2017) 54 Goals - 16 Assist (2018) 51 Goals - 26 Assist (2019) 50 Goals - 18 Assist (2020) 27 Goals - 19 Assist (2021) 43 Goals - 18 Assist (2022) 35 Goals - 30 Assist (2023) 28 Goals - 12 Assist (2024) 09 Goals - 05 Assist

[@heidetermeg427]

Messi is the only footballer that has ever made me actually cry. That goal vs Bilbao.. I saw that, and I couldn't hold my tears. What an absolute LEGEND. I didn't believe in God. Until I saw Messi.

[@Justin1993Time]

Thank you for this video, it was beautiful.

[@MEECshortz]

Been waiting for this video for a long time after the Ronaldo one let’s go!!!!!!

[@goonerland8195]

Take a bow, Sir. This video is a masterpiece.🙌

[@FrancoDMatz]

What a fantastic video! Excellent narration!

[@rockyjdr]

my favorite football youtube channel back at it again

[@chinmaybhosale9344]

GOAT

[@mknees1467]

"El mejor Messi es el que vendrá"

[@mwaurahndungu9675]

Always grateful that I enjoyed the maestro as a young university lad and still enjoying him 15 years later with my daughter.....All hail the King of football lapulga.

[@christianguerrier1887]

Amazing video 👏🏾

[@messii648]

He has many and i think realistic he was always in his prime his numbers says all but the clubs let him down sometimes, but 2019 is the most complete prime it’s highest one man army, I was shocked Barca even reached the semi cuz Barca at that time was shit but Messi did everything in he is one package with diff abilities that year like three top players in one body , then comes 2012 goal machine I don’t need to explain just need to drop 91 goals and many sees that his best, then 2015 team player and for me that year shows his greatness when it comes to vision and playmaking he became diff role in that year alone when it comes in terms of success and great year 2015 is the best year of Messi personally , last my favorite it may not be prime but big game player 2011 my childhood memories is from that Messi year it’s so nostalgic can’t put it in words that is my top 4 highest picks.

[@lexkanyima2195]

2018/19 was significant to showcase his capitancy after Xavi and Iniesta left. Had Dembele scored, the UCL will be very memorable.