Lionel Messi turns 32. The Argentine forward has already established himself as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game of football. From suffering from a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 10 to conquering the world, it has been one hell of a ride for a boy from Rosario. His towering records and stats pits him as one of the greatest players of all-time. As the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentina captain celebrate his 32nd birthday, take a look at the top three goals scored by Messi for both club and country. Lionel Messi Birthday Special: 10 Cool Facts About the Argentina and Barcelona Football Captain as He Turns 32.

He already holds records of scoring the most number of goals in La Liga history (419). He also is the first player to score 50 European goals in a single season and holds the record of scoring most hat-tricks in UEFA Champions League (8) and also has the most assists in La Liga (169). Lionel Messi Turns 32: Top 4 Cars Owned By Argentina National Football Team Captain.

Barcelona vs Albacete: May 1, 2005

This was the first time the footballing world saw a glimpse of what it was to enjoy for the next decade. Messi was just 17 then but the confidence and ability of a veteran. He was introduced late into the game but left his mark with two goals, the first of which was ruled out for an offside. Minutes after making his senior debut, Messi scored with an audacious chip over the keeper’s head from the edge of the box but had the goal ruled out for offside. He was, however, not to be deterred. A minute later Messi scored again but this time the goal was awarded and it was his – the first goal of many more to come. He got to the end of a chip pass from Ronaldinho before lobbing the ball over Albacete goalkeeper Raul Valbuena.

Real Zaragoza vs Barcelona: March 21, 2010

A tackle on the half-way line. Messi then had to hold off a Real Zaragoza player before he knocked down the ball from the opponent’s feet and set off towards one of the most memorable goals of his career. The Argentine then shrugged off a challenge before turning the next defender inside-out and finding the far corner from the edge of the penalty box.

Argentina vs Iran: June 21, 2014

Argentina had won their first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina with Messi scoring the second goal. But Iran waited in the next Group F match. The team from Asia renowned for their tough defence nearly held Argentina to a draw before Messi scored a class goal in the first minute of added-time. The Argentina skipper had already been buffed twice – first, from one his trademark run when the ball the net by a fraction of inches and then from a free kick from 16 yards out. But Messi was not to be denied. He received the ball turned a defender left before unleashing a curling powerful shot into the top left corner to hand Argentina its second victory of the tournament.

At 32, Messi already had five Ballon d'Or titles to his name to add to his six European Golden Shoe awards. He looks set to win another Ballon d'Or and European Golden Shoe next year after guiding club Barcelona to a record 26 La Liga titles. He was knocked out of the 2018 Champions League semi-final by Liverpool.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2019 04:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).