Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the best players to play for Barcelona. October 16 is a significant date for the club — it marks the anniversary of Messi’s official debut.
To mark this occasion, Messi posted on his official Instagram, sharing pictures from his first match against Espanyol with a caption: “21 years already… Incredible”.
Messi debuted on October 16, 2004, at just 17 years old, replacing Deco in the second half of a 1-0 victory over Espanyol. Wearing the No. 30 shirt, he began a career that would become legendary in soccer.
In over 17 seasons with Barcelona, Messi played 837 matches in official and friendly competitions, scored 709 goals, and won 41 trophies, firmly establishing his legacy at the club.
Messi’s Return Attempt to Barcelona After PSG
After leaving Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he had moments of brilliance but couldn’t find the same comfort and success he had in Spain.
When his time in Paris ended, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wished to return to Barcelona, but this did not happen.
“I wanted to go back to Barcelona, to a place I love, but it was not possible,” Messi said in an interview with ESPN’s Simplemente Fútbol.
“It turned into a family decision. Winning the World Cup [in 2022] also influenced me. I didn’t want to be with another team in Europe,” he added.
Ultimately, Messi chose to move to Inter Miami in MLS, attracted by the club’s goals and future prospects. “I wanted to be at a club that was ambitious and had important goals. That appealed to me,” he noted.