As Lionel Messi celebrates his 38th birthday, Barcelona fans and football lovers worldwide reflect on the unmatched legacy of the Argentine maestro at Camp Nou. Although now playing for Inter Miami and guiding them through the Club World Cup, Messi’s name remains synonymous with Barcelona, where he spent 17 unforgettable seasons from 2004 to 2021.
During his spell with the Spanish giants, Messi scored an incredible 672 goals across 778 appearances. But beyond the goals, his impact on the pitch defined a golden era for the club. From dazzling solo runs to last-minute winners, Messi helped Barcelona lift 34 trophies, including four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga crowns. His influence was both statistical and spiritual.
Barcelona’s dominance during that time was not built by Messi alone. Several loyal servants also etched their names in the club’s history books with their longevity and leadership. In honour of Messi’s birthday, Sports Mole has challenged fans to name the club’s top 10 appearance-makers of all time — a prestigious list that reflects Barcelona’s rich legacy of talent and commitment.
While Messi holds the top spot, others like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets have also made monumental contributions in terms of appearances, consistency, and influence. With the club entering a new era, names like Gavi and Pedri could one day climb the rankings, but for now, the top 10 remains a celebration of the greats who shaped Barça’s identity.
For fans who lived through the glory days or younger ones now discovering their brilliance, this list offers a nostalgic reminder of footballing greatness. Who else makes the list alongside Messi? Join the challenge and see how many legendary Barcelona players you can name — each one part of the club’s iconic story.