Lionel Messi has etched his name among the all-time greats of the UEFA Champions League. First with FC Barcelona and later with Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine legend has been the architect of countless unforgettable nights on Europe’s biggest stage.
Whether dazzling with his playmaking or delivering decisive goals, Messi has continually proven himself against the best in the world. Now at Inter Miami, his legacy in the Champions League remains unmatched—decorated with titles and legendary performances.
How many Champions League titles does Lionel Messi hold?
Lionel Messi has lifted the Champions League trophy four times in his career: in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015. All four titles came during his tenure at Barcelona. That tally makes him the third-most decorated Argentine in the competition’s history, behind Alfredo Di Stefano and Héctor Rial, who each won five titles with Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi’s record in Champions League finals
Messi played a pivotal role in three of his four Champions League final appearances. In 2006, he was sidelined due to a muscle tear sustained in March, missing the final where Barcelona defeated Arsenal 2–1. Goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti sealed the win for the Catalans.
His first final appearance came in the 2008–09 season against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. After an early goal from Eto’o, Messi added the second in the 70th minute with a memorable header—one he later described as the best goal of his career. This final marked the only Champions League showdown between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Messi emerging victorious.
see also
Champions League final: Start time, teams playing, venue, and everything you need to know before the match
In the 2010–11 final, Barcelona cling once again the Champions League against Manchester United, this time at Wembley. Messi scored a crucial goal and played a key role in David Villa’s goal in the Blaugrana’s 3–1 win, being awarded as Man of the Match.
His final UCL title came in 2014–15 against Juventus in Berlin. During the peak of the “MSN” era (Messi, Suárez, Neymar), Messi was the sole member that didn’t score in the 3–1 win but was instrumental in creating chances and driving Barcelona’s attack.
Lionel Messi’s greatest Champions League performances
In addition to winning every Champions League final he played in, Messi has been the protagonist of some of the most iconic nights in the tournament’s history. From his debut in the 2004–05 season through 2022–23, when he left Europe, Messi remained one of the competition’s most consistent and electrifying players.
Barcelona 4-0 Bayern Munich (2009)
The 2008–09 campaign was Pep Guardiola’s first at the helm, and he crafted a side that would go on to win the treble. In the quarterfinals, Bayern Munich fell victim to a dominant Barcelona. Messi scored twice and assisted Eto’o in a commanding 4–0 win that set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal (2010)
After a 2–2 draw in London, Arsenal struck first in the second leg through Nicklas Bendtner. But Messi responded with one of the greatest solo performances in Champions League history, scoring all four goals in a stunning comeback that left fans in awe.
Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona (2011)
An “El Clasico” matchup in a Champions League semifinal, the second one in history after the 2001-02 edition, with Cristiano Ronaldo in one side and Lionel Messi in the other. The Argentine treated the Santiago Bernabeu as his backyard, stealing all the spotlights.
Messi was the responsible of both goals, one of them being a solo goal picking the ball almost in the center of the pitch, leaving Real Madrid defense laying on the floor. This was a huge boost for the team to then reach the final and conquer yet another Champions League.
Barcelona 7-1 Bayer Leverkusen (2012)
Barcelona had already won the first leg 3–1 in Germany, but Messi wasn’t finished. Back at Camp Nou, he netted five goals—becoming the first player to do so in a Champions League match since the competition’s rebranding in 1992. A performance for the ages.
Barcelona 3-0 Bayern Munich (2015)
In the 2014–15 semifinals, Messi delivered another masterclass. With the score level late, he broke the deadlock in the 77th minute with a blistering strike, then famously left Jerome Boateng on the turf before chipping Manuel Neuer. He later assisted Neymar for the third in a dominant home win.
Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool (2019)
Though ultimately overshadowed by the dramatic second leg at Anfield, Messi’s display in the first leg of the 2018–19 semifinal was sensational. After Suárez scored the opener, Messi added a brace—capped by a breathtaking 30-yard free kick that curled into the top corner. One of his finest UCL moments.
