How many UCL has Messi won? Learn about Messi’s victories
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in football history, has left a strong mark in the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious tournament for European clubs. With his natural talent and tireless dedication, Messi has written proud pages in this arena. He has not only helped Barcelona win many major titles but also proved his superiority through impressive goals and performances. Join Premiumsoccertips.net to find out how many ucl has messi won, which has helped Messi affirm his position in the hearts of fans and world football.
How many UCL has Messi won
The UEFA Champions League, previously called the European Cup, has been home to numerous legends over its extensive history. And Lionel Messi is arguably one of the greatest players to ever play in the tournament.
The Argentine superstar has etched his name into the European competition’s history books by leading Barcelona to multiple titles, creating unforgettable memories not only for Blaugrana fans but also for football enthusiasts around the world.
The Rosario-born maestro has been the centre of attention every time he has taken to the pitch on Champions League night, but many have wondered how many times he has actually gone all the way and lifted the trophy. Here, we take a look at Messi’s record in the competition.
Lionel Messi has secured the UEFA Champions League title on four occasions. His success in 2006 made much of the story as Leo did not play in the final, but he was still part of the Barcelona squad that campaign, scoring one goal and providing two assists in six appearances.
In which years and teams has Lionel Messi won the Champions League?
Lionel Messi claimed all four of his UEFA Champions League titles while playing for FC Barcelona. While his first success came as an 18-year-old in 2006, the Argentine was a proven starter in victories in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
- 2006 | FC Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal (18 years old – not in squad)
- 2009 | FC Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (21 years old – starting player)
- 2011 | FC Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United (23 years old – starting player)
- 2015 | FC Barcelona 3-1 Juventus (27 years old – starting player)
Key moments in Lionel Messi’s Champions League triumph
Messi began writing Champions League history on 2 November 2005, scoring his first goal in the competition in a 5-0 group stage win over Panathinaikos. But his biggest contribution to Barca’s success in that campaign came on 22 February 2006, netting in a 2-1 away win over Chelsea in the first leg of the last 16.
Three years later and with the No. 10 on his back, Messi, a regular starter, played a key role in Barcelona’s run to the title. With a brace and two assists against Bayern in the first leg of the quarter-finals, Messi paved the way for a 4-0 win before setting up Andres Iniesta for a crucial late winner against Chelsea in the second leg of the semi-finals. Messi’s most important moment of the season, however, came in the final, when he headed home a goal to help Barca beat Manchester United.
In the 2010-11 season, Messi became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League when he scored in the group stage win over Panathinaikos on 14 September 2010. But arguably the highlight of that campaign came in the first leg of the semi-final, when Messi produced a brace against arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Leo also stepped up in the final at Wembley, scoring in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Manchester United.
The Argentine forward again took the Cules to the promised land in the 2014-15 season, with a superb performance in the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern, scoring twice including a goal that was later named UEFA’s Goal of the Season.
How does Lionel Messi’s Champions League record compare to other players?
While Messi’s four Champions League titles are impressive, the tournament has seen many other players win the trophy more times. Not to mention if we only count overall victories, as Messi has been involved in three finals.
But let’s take Messi’s four wins into account. In the European Cup era, Messi is two titles behind Real Madrid legend Francisco Gento, who became the first player to lift the continental prize six times. But he is also behind Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of European wins.
Ronaldo, who is often compared to Messi, has one more Champions League title than Leo, as the Portuguese star won the award once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid.
Players with the most titles in the European Cup/Champions League:
- 6 Francisco Gento (Real Madrid)
- 5 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
- 5 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)
Conclusion
Lionel Messi has won four UEFA Champions League titles throughout his career, all with Barcelona. These titles came in the 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2014-15 seasons, where Messi played a pivotal role in the Catalan side’s play and helped them establish themselves as a force in Europe. Despite moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Messi is still remembered as a Champions League legend, with his impressive achievements and ability to make the difference at crucial moments.
See more: Who has the most Champions League titles?