The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has carried out some spectacular performances throughout his career to help Barcelona lift countless trophies. Yesterday's 'El Clasico' was another exhibition by the Argentinian genius that will forever remain in the history of these clashes.
It is not possible to condense Messi's career into ten fixtures, with the number of his formidable displays coming closer to the hundreds. Even so, we take a look at the moments that made a legend out of Lionel Messi.
Barcelona 5-2 Getafe (2006/07 - Copa del Rey)
The day Leo Messi traced Diego Maradona's brilliant solo goal, considered by many as the best ever.
Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona (2008/09 - La Liga)
One of the most humiliating home results for Real Madrid, and Messi contributed with a double against Juande Ramos' side.
Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (2008/09 - Champions League)
The Argentine proved decisive in yet another final with his header past Van der Sar crowning Barcelona as the Champions League winners.
Estudiantes 1-2 Barcelona (2009/10 - Club World Cup)
The Barcelona number '10' improvised to score a goal with his chest which was enough to beat the tough Argentinian opponents in extra-time.
Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal (2009/10 - Champions League)
Leo Messi scored a 'poker' of goals against the Gunners in yet another comeback from the Catalans.
Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona (2010/11 - Champions League)
Messi conquered the Bernabeu in the Champions League semi-final, with two dazzling goals to take Barcelona through to the final at Wembley.
Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United (2010/11 - Champions League)
Another pivotal performance from the Barca star in a Champions League final. His goal from outside the area guided his team to victory.
Barcelona 3-0 Bayern Munich (2014/15 - Champions League)
A true exhibition from Messi in the dying minutes of the semi-final. Boateng will remember...
Athletic 1-3 Barcelona (2014/15 - Copa del Rey)
One of the finest goals of his career. The Athletic defence were unable to stop him as he winded his way through to score one of the goals of the year.
Real Madrid 2- 3 Barcelona (2016/17 - La Liga)
Another fabulous performance from the little genius who scored a brace to throw Barcelona right back into the title race, and reclaim the throne of world football...