Leo Messi: The Evolution of The Greatest Footballer Ever

Explore how Leo Messi evolved across eras—from tiki-taka to world champion—becoming the greatest footballer in history.

Shortest90
June 20, 2025

Lionel Messi’s name has been etched in football’s history books as more than just a legend—he is a phenomenon, an evolution of brilliance that transcended eras, styles, and generations. From his early days at Barcelona to his global triumph with Argentina, Messi’s journey is a masterclass in adaptation, persistence, and genius. This is the story of how Leo Messi evolved into the greatest footballer the world has ever seen.

The Tactical Shift Under Luis Enrique (2014–2015)

Despite the evolution in tactics, Messi adapted. Moving to a wider playmaking role, he embraced the physical shift and led Barcelona to a historic treble. His goal against Bayern Munich—dribbling past Boateng—and his wondergoal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final are forever etched in memory. These moments defined the new Messi: still magical, but more direct, more lethal.

Post-Xavi, Post-Iniesta: A Team Dependent on Messi (2015–2020)

With Xavi’s departure in 2015 and Iniesta’s in 2018, the golden midfield era at Barça ended. Creativity was replaced by labor, and work rate was prioritized over elegance. Messi became the undisputed nucleus. Though less explosive than before, he became more refined and calculated.

Barcelona built around Messi’s brilliance. He was supported by players like Rakitic, Alba, and Suarez—each one complementing the maestro. The Messi-Alba connection became especially fruitful. However, poor transfers like Coutinho, Dembélé, and Griezmann disrupted balance. The team was soon labeled “Messi Dependencia.”

Yet, Messi never stopped. From 2016 to 2021, he won the Pichichi every season and three Golden Boots in Europe. Even as his signature chip goals and dribble-finish combos declined, his game matured. He began scoring more difficult, long-range goals, often from near-impossible angles.

Reinvention at PSG (2021–2023): The Deep-Lying Playmaker

At PSG, Messi entered the next stage of his evolution—as a deep-lying playmaker. Dropping into midfield, he began dictating tempo, scanning the pitch, and launching visionary through balls to Mbappe, Neymar, and Hakimi.

One of the most iconic plays came against Lille: from kickoff, Messi dinked a pass over the defense to Mbappe, who lobbed the keeper. Even at PSG, despite a dip in personal form, Messi was preparing for something greater—something he had never achieved.

The Ultimate Redemption: FIFA World Cup 2022

Messi’s ultimate goal was clear: win the World Cup. After the heartbreak of 2014 and losses in Copa finals, the hunger was immense. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina became a compact, underrated but cohesive unit. Messi had runners like De Paul, Molina, Di Maria, and Enzo Fernandez, who covered for his lack of mobility and gave him full freedom.

Messi delivered. Against Mexico, his arrowed finish from midfield screamed vintage. Against Australia, he combined in tight spaces like the Barcelona days. The Molina assist showcased his dribbling vision, while the Croatia game was a display of total dominance.

In the final against France, he was the perfect False Nine. And yes—he took the penalty. Slowly, with no power, he rolled it past Lloris. A goal scored not with strength, but with pure placement and genius.

From being criticized for missed penalties to scoring the most important one of his life, Messi proved he was more than human—he was inevitable.

The Legacy: Beyond the World Cup

Messi ended 2022 with the World Cup, the Finalissima, and Copa America—completing football. He now holds 46 career titles, the most in history, and a record number of Ballon d’Ors. He’s on course for the Super Ballon d’Or, if awarded.

Now at Inter Miami, Messi continues to shine, inspire, and evolve. From a boy who couldn’t walk on the pitch to a man who conquered every possible peak—

Leo Messi didn’t just play football—he became football.