Lionel Messi’s incredible career is not all about goals and trophies, it’s also a story of constant reinvention. Debuting his career as a right-winger at Barcelona to his current role as a deep-lying playmaker at Inter Miami, Messi has consistently adapted according to the team’s needs and in-game situations. Let’s explore how Messi shapeshifted himself across different stages of his legendary career.
Right-Winger (2004–2008)
When Messi made his debut for Barcelona, he started as a right winger. Messi was gifted with all the attributes of a proper winger his electrifying pace, quick dribbling, and trademark left foot which terrorized defenders down the flank. Messi would often cut inside from the right flank to either shoot or link with teammates displaying remarkable balance and close control.
Messi was young with a clear aim in this role to beat defenders, create chances, and score goals from wide areas. This was the start of something big.
False Nine Revolution (2009–2013)
This change was one of the most revolutionary changes in modern football when Pep Guardiola used Messi as a false nine. False 9 role is when the central forward drops deep into midfield, connecting with both the attack and the midfield. Pep used Messi as a False 9 in the 2009 El Classico against Real Madrid and proved to be a masterstroke.
Messi would leave the striker role and drop into the midfield operating as an attacker and playmaker, dragging defenders out of position and allowing wingers like Pedro and David Villa to exploit the space. This role allowed Messi to combine playmaking abilities with goal-scoring instincts.
The result? He broke the record for most goals in a calendar year with 91 goals in 2012.
Hybrid Playmaker (2015–2021)
As the years progressed, Messi matured and so did his game. Under Luis Enrique’s treble-winning team in 2015, Messi formed a lethal front three with Neymar and Suárez, the infamous trio of MSN. Messi was positioned on the right wing but was instructed to frequently drop deep into midfield to act as the creator.
This shifted Messi into a hybrid playmaker between a right-winger and a classic No. 10, scoring goals for fun and racking up assists, still scoring 30+ goals per season.
As Barcelona’s squad started to decline due to transfers, injuries, financial constraints, and managerial crisis Messi’s had to carry a heavier burden for years. He used to dominate single-handedly with the seasoned squad.
Deep-Lying Maestro (2021–Present)
After leaving Barcelona, Messi reinvented. At PSG and now Inter Miami, and especially with Argentina, Messi has shifted as a deep-lying playmaker, often operating in the space between midfield and attack.
At this age, he conserves energy and chooses specific moments to act wisely. This version of Messi led Argentina to a Copa América title in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, playing arguably his smartest football yet.
Conclusion
To conclude what separates Messi from other footballers is not just his technique but his unmatched football intelligence. As defenders modernized with pace and aggressive nature, Messi evolved. This kind of longevity is unmatched, despite shifting positions year by year Messi’s consistency was at its peak.
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