Nine dream years

Back on matchday seven of the 2004/05 Liga BBVA campaign, a Barcelona side made up of stars like Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o travelled to the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys de Montjuïc to take on RCD Espanyol in the Catalan derby. That match, which finished 1-0 in favour to the blaugrana thanks to a Deco goal, saw Lionel Messi make his official debut for Barça.

The Argentine, who was 17 years, three months and 22 days of age at the time, came on for the Portuguese playmaker in the 82 minute to begin a career that would see him shoot to stratosphere of European and world football. Since then, Messi has become the face of Barcelona, the Argentine national team and the Liga BBVA.

He has been awarded four FIFA Ballon d’Ors, as well as an impressive list of titles over the course of his career so far, which include three UEFA Champions Leagues, six Liga BBVAs, two Copa del Reys, two European Super Cups, six Spanish Super Cups and two Club World Cups. This Wednesday he celebrates the ninth year of his incredible career, which has helped turn the Liga BBVA into one of the best competitions in the world.