The story of Lionel Messi's dominance over 21st century football

Lionel Messi

Many would argue Lionel Messi is the greatest play to play the game, and this notion is backed up by the Argentinean forward’s consistently unbelievable form that has seen him take home the Ballon d’Or crown a record four times in a row. As he goes in search of a fifth – a record that will surely stand the test of time – he has to fight off several serious contenders for the coveted award. Can he continue his legacy by picking up another trophy, or will this be the beginning of the end for Messi?

Who is Lionel Messi?

Born in Rosario, Argentina in 1987, Messi suffered from a growth hormone deficiency from an early age and was told he wouldn’t make it as a footballer without expensive medical treatment. Up step Barcelona to form one of the most deadly partnerships known to the game – offering to pay for all medical requirements should the young Messi move to Spain. Following the successful completion of the treatment, Messi began to make his way through the ranks at Barca and eventually made his debut for the Catalan giants at the age of 17 years and 114 days, coming on for Deco against city rivals Espanyol.

The current reigning Ballon d’Or champion never looked back from his debut and went from strength to strength. During his time under Frank Rijkaard, he played with some of the greatest players in the world including Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o, but really came to prominence under Pep Guardiola when Barcelona won 14 major trophies in just 4 years and becoming arguably the greatest club side to grace the game.

In 2012, Messi broke the record for most goals ever scored over a calendar year, passing Gerd Muller’s total of 85 on his way to finding the back of the net a monstrous 91 times over the 12 months. He continues to add to his fascinating legacy and will go down as one of, if not the greatest player to ever play the game.

Major honours this year

The 26-year-old (I know) managed to help Barcelona snatch the La Liga title back from the grasp of Real Madrid last season, putting an end to Jose Mourinho’s stint as Los Blancos boss in the process. Although they were completely outplayed in the Champions League semi-finals by Bayern Munich, Messi wasn’t entirely fit for both legs and many question whether the defeat would have been so emphatic if he had been at his best.

Key stats

Having picked up an injury that could see him out until the New Year, Barcelona will have to cope without the diminutive forward and may struggle without his presence in the team. In just three Champions League appearances this season Messi has scored six goals, couple this with the eight he has in La Liga and there’s a big gap in the Barcelona team.

Does he deserve his nomination?

Always. You can’t picture a Ballon d’Or nominees list without Messi’s standing out as one of the favourites, never mind a list without him even on it. Despite his recent injury troubles, he inspired Barcelona’s domestic revival last season as they reached the 100 point mark and the media-shy hasn’t been too bad in front of goal either, scoring 52 competitive goals for club and country so far in 2013.

Does he have a chance of winning?

It looks likely to be a three-way battle for the crown this year as Cristiano Ronaldoand Franck Ribery both upped their game in a bid to dislodge Messi as the Ballon d’Or top-dog. Although his chances of winning are slimmer than usual, it would be no surprise to anyone other than his two challengers if the Argentina international took home his fifth consecutive crown. Next year looks set to be the most interesting race yet, though, with Messi looking to put his troubles behind him, and Cristiano Ronaldo hitting his peak it’s anyone’s guess what the pair could do to the rest of Europe in 2014.