The UEFA Champions League, formerly known as the European Cup, has seen countless superstars throughout its decades-long history. And it’s safe to say Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players to ever take part in the competition.
The Argentine superstar has etched his name in the European tournament’s history books by leading Barcelona to multiple titles, delivering unforgettable memories not only for Blaugrana fans, but also for soccer enthusiasts around the world.
The Rosario-born maestro took the spotlight whenever he took the field on a Champions League night, but many wonder how many times he actually went the distance and lifted the trophy. Here’s a breakdown of Messi’s record.
Total of Lionel Messi’s UEFA Champions League Titles
Lionel Messi has captured the UEFA Champions League crown on four occasions. Although he didn’t feature in the final during Barcelona’s 2006 triumph, his contribution throughout the tournament included a goal and two assists across six matches.
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona poses with the trophy after victory in the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.
Additionally, his 2006 medal sparked debates about whether a player must appear in the final to truly “earn” the title. Nevertheless, official records credit him as a winner alongside the rest of the squad that season.
In which years and teams did Lionel Messi win the Champions League?
Lionel Messi has won all four UEFA Champions League titles with FC Barcelona. While his first success came as an 18-year-old prospect in 2006, the Argentine was already an established starter in the 2009, 2011 and 2015 triumphs.
- 2006 | FC Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal (18 years old – not part of the squad)
- 2009 | FC Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (21 years old – starter)
- 2011 | FC Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United (23 years old – starter)
- 2015 | FC Barcelona 3-1 Juventus (27 years old – starter)
What are the key moments in Lionel Messi’s Champions League victories?
Messi’s Champions League impact began on November 2, 2005, when he netted his first goal in a 5-0 rout of Panathinaikos. His presence truly shone in the knockout stages of the 2005-06 campaign, scoring against Chelsea in the last 16 first leg.
By 2009, wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt, he had become indispensable. His two goals and pair of assists in the quarterfinal first leg against Bayern Munich laid the foundation for a comfortable 4-0 win.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring the second goal for Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Barcelona and Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico on May 27, 2009 in Rome, Italy.
In the semifinals, he assisted Iniesta in a dramatic return leg against Chelsea. The final saw Messi score a memorable header to down Manchester United. In the 2010-11 season, he reached new heights by surpassing the club’s all-time Champions League scoring record during the group stage.
His crowning performance that year came at the Santiago Bernabeu, netting twice against Real Madrid in the semifinal first leg. The final at Wembley confirmed his class with another goal to secure a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
The 2014-15 campaign added another chapter, as The Argentine ace’s semifinal brace against Bayern included a solo effort that later earned UEFA’s Goal of the Season award.
How does Lionel Messi’s Champions League record compare to other players?
Despite Lionel Messi’s quartet of Champions League titles, the competition has seen players with even more triumphs. Notably, he appeared in three finals, adding context to his achievements.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with the trophy watched by Luis Suarez after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.
His four trophies leave him two shy of Francisco Gento’s record six European Cups with Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo, his enduring rival, boasts five titles: one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid.
Interestingly, other Real Madrid stars like Dani Carvajal, Luka Modrić and Karim Benzema have also matched Ronaldo’s tally, underlining Madrid’s continued dominance in Europe.
Players with most European Cup/Champions League titles (all time)
- 6 Francisco Gento (Real Madrid)
- 6 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
- 6 Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
- 5 Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
- 5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Real Madrid)
- 5 Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
- 5 Alfredo Di Stéfano (Real Madrid)
- 5 José María Zárraga (Real Madrid)
- 4 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Messi’s impact beyond titles: His legacy in Europe’s elite competition
Lionel Messi’s influence in the UEFA Champions League transcends the four titles he has secured. Throughout his career, he has amassed an impressive 129 goals in the competition, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time rankings.
His creative prowess is evident in his 40 assists, showcasing not only his scoring ability but also his vision and playmaking skills. He has also earned four Golden Boots in the Champions League (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12).
Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final against Juventus on June 6, 2015. (Source: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Beyond the numbers, his mesmerizing solo runs, dribbles that left defenders in his wake, and clutch goals in knockout stages have created an enduring legacy. For example, his unforgettable performance against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012, where he became the first player to score five goals in a single Champions League match, remains a highlight of his career.
Even when his team did not lift the trophy, Messi consistently delivered jaw-dropping moments that elevated the competition’s standard and set the benchmark for excellence.
