Lionel Messi Turns 38: The Teammates Behind His Greatest Goal Moments
June 24th marks the 38th birthday of football’s living legend — Lionel Messi. As tributes pour in from around the globe, it’s a fitting time to look back at the extraordinary legacy of the Argentine maestro and the iconic teammates who’ve helped shape it.
From his early days at FC Barcelona to lifting the World Cup with Argentina, Messi’s career has been nothing short of historic:
- 🏆 4 Champions League titles
- 🏆 12 top-flight league trophies
- 🏆 2 Copa Américas
- 🥇 8 Ballon d’Or awards
And even now, the magic hasn’t faded. Just last week, Messi curled in a stunning free-kick to help Inter Miami secure a win over Porto at the Club World Cup — a reminder that class truly is permanent. Unsurprisingly, he also leads the tournament in completed dribbles.
His Most Lethal Partnerships
Throughout his career, Messi has shared the pitch with some of the greatest names in modern football. But who has combined with him most effectively in terms of direct goal participations (goals + assists)?
🔝 Top 10 Goal Combinations with Messi
| Rank | Player | Goal Participations | Games Played Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Luis Suárez | 116 GP | 302 |
| 2️⃣ | Neymar | 67 GP | 206 |
| 3️⃣ | Pedro | 54 GP | 270 |
| 4️⃣ | Andrés Iniesta | 53 GP | 489 |
| 5️⃣ | Dani Alves | 48 GP | 349 |
| 6️⃣ | Xavi | 42 GP | 399 |
| 7️⃣ | Jordi Alba | 42 GP | 395 |
| 8️⃣ | Kylian Mbappé | 34 GP | 67 |
| 9️⃣ | Sergio Busquets | 29 GP | 625 |
| 🔟 | Ivan Rakitic | 27 GP | 277 |
The “MSN” Legacy Still Stands Tall
Unsurprisingly, Luis Suárez and Neymar top the list. The famed “MSN” trio terrorized defenses between 2014 and 2017, with Suárez’s chemistry with Messi proving both telepathic and prolific. The pair now reunite in Miami, rekindling that partnership in the twilight of their careers.
Notably, Pedro, Iniesta, Xavi, and Dani Alves all feature in the top six — a testament to the dominance of that golden Barcelona era.
Looking Ahead
While the days of Messi’s blistering pace may be behind him, his vision, passing, and game IQ remain unmatched. Whether it’s teaming up with former allies like Busquets and Alba in Miami or inspiring the next generation, Messi continues to redefine longevity at the top level.
As he celebrates turning 38, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi isn’t done yet.
