Good news for every other club in the world not named Barcelona: Lionel Messi is one year closer to retirement. The four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner turned 28 on Wednesday, allowing all football enthusiasts to relive his greatest achievements at the club and international level.
Below are the eight best moments of his illustrious career thus far.
8. First-Ever Senior Goal for Barcelona
A legend was born in 2005. At 17, Messi opened his club account, becoming the club's youngest goalscorer at the time. Linking up with Ronaldinho, the Argentine lifted it over the 'keeper's head to make it 2-0.
7. First Hat-Trick Against Real Madrid
Big games. Big moments. That's what defines Lionel Messi. On March 10, 2007, Messi scored a hat-trick en route to a 3-3 draw in El Clasico.
6. 2007 Copa del Rey Goal Against Getafe
Few words can be said about Messi's magical run against Getafe in the 2007 Copa del Rey semifinal. Mirroring Diego Maradon's iconic goal in the 1986 World Cup, few words are required.
Note: Honorable mention to Messi's goal against Athletic Bilbao in the 2015 Copa del Rey final, but even that magical moment lacked the pace and power of its 2007 counterpart.
5. Una Manita in 2010
It's not common to dismantle a Jose Mourinho side. Messi and company did just that in 2010, defeating Real Madrid 5-0 at the Nou Camp.
4. 2011 Champions League Final Goal
Manchester United actually thought they had a chance after Wayne Rooney equalized in the 2011 Champions League final. Messi put that to bed just nine minutes later.
3. 91 Goals in 2012
Most players won't finish their careers with 91 goals. Messi did just that in a calendar year in 2012.
2. Jerome Boateng's Death (Not Literally)
Even Boateng had a laugh after his undressing in the semifinals of the Champions League this season. Beaten by Messi's less-than-favored right foot, the German international took a tumble while his attacking counterpart dinked Manuel Neuer for a 2-0 lead.
1. 4th Ballon d'Or
This temporary No. 1 moment of his career will be replaced by a fifth Ballon d'Or in 2015.
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