Journalism of Courage
After being associated with FC Barcelona for nearly two decades, star footballer Lionel Messi has finally decided to leave the Catalan side. While the footballer is yet to announce his new team, we take a look at the time he spent at Camp Nou, where he won six Ballon d’Or awards and helped the club win 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns. Messi first appeared in the senior team in the year 2005. (Reuters)
After sharing the pitch with Ronaldinho for almost two years, Messi took over the jersey number 10, which was formerly worn by the Brazilian. (Reuters)
In 2009, Messi won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. (Reuters)
Despite Argentina's early exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup played in South Africa, Messi's incredible show with the Spanish club helped him retain the Ballon d'Or for a second consecutive year. (Reuters)
In 2011, Messi wins the prestigious Ballon d'Or for third time in a row. (Reuters)
Messi continued his dominance in the following year and was honoured with the Ballon d'Or again, making him the first player to win it four times in a row. (Reuters)
Messi became the all-time leading scorer in La Liga in 2014, breaking a 59-year old record set by Telmo Zarra. (Reuters)
2015 was another incredible year for Messi as he led Barcelona to La Liga title, Copa del Rey and the Champions League. His contribution also helped him win the fifth Ballon d'Or. (AP)
Remember Messi's iconic celebration against arch-rivals Real Madrid, which also was his 500th appearance for Barcelona. During the clash in 2017, the Argentine scored a a stoppage-time winner and celebrated by taking off his jersey and holding it up for Real Madrid fans.
In 2019, Messi won the record sixth Ballon d'Or after leading Barcelona to its tenth La Liga title. (Reuters)
