16.09.2010 19:13

First five years for Messi

Jordi Clos

Lionel Messi celebrated five years since he put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with FC Barcelona on Thursday and his rise to the top since putting pen to paper has been remarkable.

On September 16, 2005 the Argentinian inked the deal that would keep him at Camp Nou until 2014, and includes a buy-out clause of €150 million, after he had shone in the Trofeo Gamper game and had impressed for the Argentina Under-20 side.

Stepping out

Debuting for the first team in October 2004, Messi moved between the first team and B outfit before starring against Juventus in the pre-season Gamper outing. Along with his showing with the Albiceleste’s Under-20 team, Barça knew that they had to tie Messi down to a long-term deal despite him being just 18.

Best in the world

There was no risk involved as Messi continued to impress and showed what he was capable of as the Blaugrana won the title and the Champions League in 2006. His rise to prominence was complete when he was the star of 2009 as Barça won no less than six trophies and he was awarded the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year prizes.

Last season Messi netted 34 league goals to make him the top goalscorer, and give him the Pichichi trophy and the Golden Boot, as Barça secured 99 points and the title. He was also the club’s top scorer in the Champions League and is currently the seventh highest scorer in the Blaugrana’s history, with 133.