Lionel Messi’s career has been defined by breathtaking goals, game-changing performances, and an uncanny ability to torment opponents time and time again. Among the many teams he has faced, a select few have felt his impact more than others.
From legendary clashes with Real Madrid to dominant displays against Sevilla, Messi consistently delivered moments of magic against some of Spain’s most iconic clubs.
This article takes a closer look at the five teams he scored against the most during his Barcelona years, highlighting his greatest performances and unforgettable goals.
5. Real Madrid - 26 goals
The 17-year period during which Messi played for Barcelona saw Real Madrid emerge as his ultimate adversary. Messi played 47 matches against Real Madrid which stands as his most frequent encounter in his entire football career. His matches ended in wins and defeats coming to 20-16-11.
Messi managed to score 26 goals while providing 14 assists in his matches against this club which has won the European championship 15 times. The highlight of Messi's play versus Madrid occurred in 2013/14 La Liga season's final stretch. The Argentinian struck three goals in a 4-3 victory that provided Barca with one-point lead over their top-rival while extending their table position. Messi achieved his second hat-trick while playing against Real Madrid during this game.
4. Athletic Bilbao - 29 goals
As one of the best-managed teams in international football Athletic Club (known as Athletic Bilbao) remain consistently present in La Liga. Messi scored 29 goals with 11 assists when he played 41 matches against Athletic Bilbao during his Barcelona years. The Argentinian achieved his most remarkable goal when playing against Bilbao.
In the 2015 Copa del Rey final matchup against Athletic Bilbao Messi retrieved the pass at the right edge of the field positioned 40 yards from the goal line. After surpassing the Bilbao defense by four players he cut toward the goal and hit a powerful left-footed shot that found the net below the crossbar. Messi scored this legendary goal which stands as one of his best achievements while wearing the Barcelona uniform.
3. Valencia - 31 goals
During his 36 matches versus Valencia Messi contributed to goals 44 times. The team scored four hat-tricks throughout the seasons but most significantly they won 7-0 against Los Che during the 2015/16 Copa del Rey. During his initial four matches against Valencia Messi failed to score his first goal. Although he achieved several hot streaks during matches against the six-time La Liga champions overall.
The five February-to-February 2012-2014 games between Barça and Valencia saw Messi score nine goals and make two assists. Messi achieved his first hat-trick of Valencia games in a September 2013 3-2 away victory along with a remarkable four-goal performance that led to their 5-1 defeat of Los Che at the Camp Nou in February 2012. The most recent match with Valencia took place in May 2021 when he scored two goals to help Barcelona achieve a 3-2 victory.
2. Atletico Madrid - 32 goals
Atletico Madrid borrowers let Messi participate in their one friendly match. The red and white side of Madrid hosted the charity match as Messi appeared at the Newell's Old Boys' Stadium in Rosario that same year while he commemorated his birthplace. Atletico received only one appearance from Messi during his career as he went on to play Barcelona 43 games where he scored 32 times against the rival club.
The Spanish coach faced numerous challenges against Lionel Messi because he managed to score three crucial hat-trick goals against Atletico during the 2011 league matches. Simeone frequently demonstrates admiration for Messi because he believes the Argentine is currently the best player worldwide. The Argentine scored the only goal during the 1-0 game against Barcelona with a spectacular free-kick after their 2018 matchup.
1. Sevilla - 38 goals
The strongest achievements in Messi's career have emerged when playing matches against Sevilla. His 43 matches against Sevilla resulted in 38 goals and 20 assists with a clean record of five losses. Three hat-tricks appeared in his matches against Sevilla where the last one occurred in 2019 during a 4-2 scoreline at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Messi achieved his most successful run of scoring goals against Sevilla between February 2013 and April 2017. During these eight La Liga games he successfully scored the net each time he took to the field. In November 2014 Messi scored two goals and achieved a three-goal "hat trick during the games. The Sevilla Football Club would certainly have celebrated Messi's August 2021 departure announcement from Barcelona.