Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career has reached another milestone as his unprecedented 17 appearances in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 stand as a testament to his enduring brilliance and consistency at football’s highest level. The Argentine maestro’s dominance of this prestigious selection, which has featured only 85 players since 2005, underscores his status as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
The journey to this remarkable achievement began in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where a diminutive youngster from Argentina showed early signs of exceptional talent. Despite requiring growth hormone treatment, Messi’s innate abilities were evident to his coaches. His breakthrough moment came during the 2005 Joan Gamper Trophy match against Juventus, where an 18-year-old Messi, wearing Nike boots, delivered a masterclass that set Camp Nou ablaze with excitement.
Messi’s first FIFPRO World 11 selection came in 2007, following a season that announced his arrival as a global superstar. That campaign saw him contribute 17 goal involvements in 23 La Liga starts, including a historic hat-trick against Real Madrid – the first in El Clasico in 12 years. This achievement marked the beginning of an unprecedented run of consecutive appearances in the World 11.
The arrival of Pep Guardiola as Barcelona’s manager in 2008 catalyzed Messi’s evolution from promising talent to footballing phenomenon. Under Guardiola’s innovative system, Messi transformed from a traditional right-winger into a revolutionary false nine, helping Barcelona secure a historic treble in their first season together. Their partnership would yield 14 trophies over four seasons, revolutionizing football tactics and establishing Barcelona as Europe’s dominant force.
Perhaps the most statistically impressive period of Messi’s career came between February 2012 and February 2013, when he achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 100 goals in just 363 days. This period showcased his peak efficiency, featuring nine hat-tricks, 21 braces, and an astonishing 10 goals in a single week, all while maintaining his creative output with 21 assists.
Throughout his career, Messi’s individual brilliance has been complemented by extraordinary teammates. From early partnerships with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o to the legendary MSN trio with Luis Suarez and Neymar, Messi has consistently elevated those around him while benefiting from their world-class abilities. The midfield magic of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets provided the perfect foundation for his attacking prowess.
As the 2024 FIFPRO World 11 announcement approaches on December 9, Messi’s nomination suggests his influence remains undiminished. His closest competitor in all-time selections, Cristiano Ronaldo, stands at 15 appearances, while contemporary stars like Kylian Mbappe would need to maintain elite performance levels well into their late 30s to approach Messi’s record.
The achievement becomes even more remarkable when considering the caliber of players who have made the World 11 over the years. Legends like Sergio Ramos (11 appearances), and stalwarts such as Marcelo, Luka Modric, John Terry, and Manuel Neuer, while impressive in their own right, fall significantly short of Messi’s tally.
Looking ahead, the possibility of anyone matching or surpassing Messi’s 17 selections appears increasingly remote. Even Mbappe, widely regarded as football’s next superstar, would need to maintain world-class form for another 13 selections over the next 15 years to equal this record – a task that would require excellence well into his fifth decade.
This record is more than just a number; it represents sustained excellence across nearly two decades at the highest level of football. From the teenage prodigy who lit up Camp Nou to the World Cup-winning veteran who continues to dazzle in Major League Soccer, Messi’s consistency has been as remarkable as his talent. With 850 goals, 46 trophies, and an unprecedented eight Ballon d’Or awards, his FIFPRO World 11 record stands as yet another testament to his unparalleled impact on the beautiful game.
As football continues to evolve and new stars emerge, Messi’s achievement in the FIFPRO World 11 may well stand as one of the sport’s most enduring records, a fitting tribute to a player who has redefined what’s possible on a football pitch.
