Messi has five FIFA Ballon d’Or to his name, matched only by his rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi's presence at Barcelona grew, so much so that the club decided they did not need to keep the likes of Ronaldinho and Deco in 2008.
Messi's first appearance for the Albiceleste (White and Sky blue) came against Hungry on August 17, 2005, but he was sent off within two minutes of coming on for elbowing an opponent.
Salary: 41 million USD (2022)