The Top 10 Most Iconic Leo Messi Shirts
Discover the shirts that belong to the most iconic moments of Leo Messi's career.

Stefan Haas
Founder
Sat, 12 Oct 2024

When you think of Leo Messi, you don’t just remember the goals or the dazzling dribbles; you remember the shirts he wore while creating those unforgettable moments.
Over the years, Messi has worn a number of iconic kits, each tied to some of his greatest achievements on the field. From Champions League glory to finally lifting the World Cup, these shirts represent different eras in Messi’s incredible career.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Most Iconic Leo Messi Shirts—each tied to a defining moment or period in his footballing legacy.
10. Argentina 2006 Away Shirt – World Cup Debut
In 2006, a young Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina, wearing this iconic dark blue away shirt. He was only 19, a teenager with the world at his feet, and this tournament marked his arrival on the global stage. Although Argentina didn’t win the tournament, this shirt represents the early promise of a young talent destined for greatness.

Lionel Messi during the 2006 World Cup.
9. Barcelona 2004/05 Home Shirt – First Goal
This shirt marks the beginning of Messi’s journey. In 2005, a young Messi scored his first goal for Barcelona, assisted by Ronaldinho. The celebration, with Messi jumping on the back of the Brazilian legend, is one of the most heartwarming images in football. It’s the start of a career that would change football forever.

Messi celebrating with Ronaldinho after scoring his first goal for Barcelona.
8. Barcelona 2016/17 Home Shirt – The Bernabéu Celebration
Perhaps one of the most iconic moments of Messi’s career came in this shirt: holding it up to the Bernabéu crowd after scoring a last-minute winner against Real Madrid in El Clásico. The image of Messi holding his shirt with his name facing the Madrid fans became an instant classic, a symbol of his dominance in the biggest of moments.

Messi's celebration after scoring a last minute winner vs Real Madrid in 2017.
7. Barcelona 2018/19 Home Shirt – Liverpool Free Kick & Incredible Chip
Although Barcelona fell short in the Champions League in 2019, Messi’s individual performances were nothing short of miraculous. His incredible free kick against Liverpool in the semifinals and his audacious chip against Real Betis showcased Messi’s footballing genius. This shirt serves as a reminder of a season where Messi carried the Barcelona team with his extraordinary talent.

Leo Messi taking that iconic free kick against Liverpool during the 2018/19 final.
6. Barcelona 2012/13 Home Shirt – 91 Goals in a Calendar Year
Messi’s 2012/13 season is the stuff of legend. Scoring an incredible 91 goals in one calendar year, he shattered records and solidified his status as one of the greatest of all time. This Barcelona shirt, worn during that season, is a symbol of Messi’s relentless pursuit of excellence. The sight of Messi alongside teammates like David Villa, Alexis Sánchez, and Pedro evokes memories of an unstoppable force.

Messi during Barcelona's UCL campaign in the 2012/13 season.
5. Barcelona 2008/09 Home Shirt – Champions League Header Against United
In the 2009 Champions League final, Messi—one of the smallest players on the field—scored a header against Manchester United, sealing a 2-0 victory. His boot-kissing celebration after the goal has become one of the most iconic images in football. This Barcelona shirt represents Messi’s rise to global stardom, as he helped secure a historic treble for the club.

Messi's boot-kissing celebration after scoring against Manchester United in the UCL Final of 2009.
4. Barcelona 2010/11 Home Shirt – Prime Barcelona, Champions League Glory
Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona’s 2010/11 season is widely regarded as one of the best club football seasons ever. Messi was central to their tiki-taka dominance. In the Champions League final against Manchester United, Messi scored a crucial goal in a 3-1 win, with an iconic celebration that cemented this shirt in football history. It represents the peak of Guardiola’s Barcelona and Messi’s individual brilliance.

Leo after the UCL final win over Manchester United in 2011.
3. Argentina 2021 Home Shirt – Copa América Triumph
Before the World Cup triumph, Messi’s first international trophy with Argentina came in 2021 when they won the Copa América. After years of coming up short in finals, this victory meant the world to Messi and his fans. His tears of joy after the final whistle and the sight of him holding the trophy in Argentina’s sky-blue kit made it a moment of pure emotion and relief.

Leo Messi after Argentina's 1-0 win over Brazil in 2021's Copa America final.
2. Barcelona 2014/15 Home Shirt – Treble Win
The 2014/15 season saw Barcelona’s famous MSN trio—Messi, Neymar, and Suárez—dominate Europe and win the treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Messi, wearing Barcelona’s deep red and blue, was at the heart of this success, orchestrating one of the most potent attacking forces the game has ever seen. It was a year of pure brilliance, and this shirt is a reminder of it.

Leo in Barcelona's Iconic 2014/15 Home Shirt.
1. Argentina 2022/23 Home Shirt – World Cup Victory
The ultimate crown to Messi’s career came in December 2022, when Argentina triumphed in the FIFA World Cup. This was the final trophy he needed to complete his collection, finally reaching football’s highest peak. As commentator Peter Drury eloquently said, Messi had "reached his final peak." The sight of Messi in Argentina’s blue-and-white stripes lifting the World Cup will be etched in football history forever.

Leo Messi during the World Cup victory celebrations in 2022.
These shirts each tell a story—a story of triumphs, heartbreaks, and legendary moments that shaped Leo Messi’s career. From his early days as a prodigy to becoming a World Cup winner, every shirt is tied to a chapter in the footballing icon’s life.
Do you agree with this list? Which Messi shirt is your favorite, and which moment do you think defines his career the most? Let us know!

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