Messi’s 14th anniversary since debuting for Barcelona

On this day, October 16, in 2004, a young 17-year-old Lionel Messi took his first steps onto the grand stage of football, debuting for FC Barcelona. Little did anyone know at the time that this moment would be etched into history, marking the beginning of a legendary career.

Messi, with his distinctive floppy hair, was brought on as a substitute for Deco during a thrilling Catalan derby against Espanyol. However, it wasn't until a few months later, on May 1, 2005, that he would score his first goal for Barcelona, netting it against Albacete. From that point forward, Messi embarked on a remarkable journey that has seen him become one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Over his illustrious career, the diminutive Argentine forward, affectionately known as "La Pulga," has notched up an astonishing 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 728 matches for Barcelona. This incredible feat cements his position as the club's all-time top goal scorer, with Cesar Rodriguez following closely behind with 351 goals.

After leaving Barcelona, Messi had a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he scored 32 goals before making a move to Inter Miami. Since joining the American club, he has continued to impress, scoring 11 goals in just 13 matches—a testament to his enduring talent.

In recent news, it has been announced that Messi and Inter Miami will be heading to China to participate in exhibition matches. This decision comes in the wake of Miami's disappointment in missing out on the MLS playoffs. Messi is set to face off against two Chinese Super League teams, with matches scheduled for November 5, and November 8. The anticipation is building, as organizers expect up to 60,000 fans to fill the stadiums during these games.

Interestingly, these dates coincide with the MLS playoff matches, demonstrating Messi's commitment to his new team's international ventures. It's worth noting that Messi is no stranger to the Chinese football scene, having played there on eight previous occasions. Additionally, he achieved Olympic glory by winning the gold medal with the Argentine national team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

As Inter Miami prepares for their upcoming tour in China, they have two matches left before embarking on this exciting journey. Reflecting on the events of 2004, it's clear that the best football player of all time made his unforgettable debut for Barcelona. Lionel Messi's legacy of breaking records and captivating fans continues, and his journey with Inter Miami promises to add even more chapters to his extraordinary career.

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