Real Madrid, Manchester United and more: 9 big clubs who won fewer trophies than Lionel Messi since his debut in 2004
Lionel Messi is easily one of the greatest players in the history of football, and he has a trophy haul exceeding the likes of Real Madrid since his debut in 2004. This comes after the legendary Argentine playmaker led his country to win Copa America 2024.
Lionel Messi was a problem for Real Madrid during his time in Europe, winning 35 trophies with the Blaugrana, including 10 La Liga trophies, seven Copas del Rey, and eight Supercopas de Espana. On the continent, he was just as remarkable, leading Barcelona to win four UEFA Champions League trophies, three Super Cups, and as many Club World Cups.
Lionel Messi won three more trophies with Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barca. On the international stage, he won two trophies with Argentina's youth divisions, before leading the Albiceleste to win four trophies consecutively in as many years.
This puts Lionel Messi's total trophy tally at 45, which puts him ahead of nine big clubs, including Real Madrid since 2004 (via AlbicelesteTalk on X):
#9 Juventus - 20 trophies
The Italian giants have been one of the most unstoppable clubs domestically over the last two decades, garnering 20 trophies. They enjoyed domination through the 2010s, winning the Serie A in nearly every season.
#8 Manchester United - 21 trophies
While they have not had the same ruthless domestic domination enjoyed by their Italian counterparts, the English giants have won a fair share of trophies. They were quite successful in the late 2000s and early 2010s, while Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge. Since 2004, they have won 21 trophies.
#7 Chelsea - 21 trophies
Like Manchester United, domestic domination has not been easy to come by in the Premier League for Chelsea. However, that did not stop the Blues from succeeding under Roman Abramovich. Like their Red counterparts, they have won 21 trophies, recently winning the UEFA Supercup in 2021-22.
#6 Inter Milan - 22 trophies
The second Italian giant to make the list, Inter Milan have enjoyed a fairly inconsistent trophy haul in the last 20 years. Before 2010, they were regular Serie A winners, but after nearly a decade of stagnation, they have returned to full swing. Inter have won seven trophies in the last four years, and taking their tally to 22 overall.
#5 Manchester City - 23 trophies
After spending decades as the noisy neighbors in Manchester, the Cityzens came back into the limelight with a bang in 2011. Since then, they have not relented, winning a total of 23 trophies and securing the Premier League domination their counterparts have failed to achieve.
#4 Real Madrid - 31 trophies
It is hardly any surprise that the first Spanish club on the list is Real Madrid, who have fought for trophies, despite Lionel Messi's dominance with Barcelona. Since he left in 2021, Real Madrid have won nine trophies, including two Champions Leagues, bringing their tally to an impressive 31.
#3 Paris Saint-Germain - 36 trophies
There is hardly another domination story bigger than that of Paris Saint-Germain. They have failed to win the UEFA Champions League. However, they have won every competition in France so regularly, it is hardly a surprise that they have racked up 36 trophies since 2004.
#2 Barcelona - 37 trophies
When Lionel Messi joined up with Barcelona's first team, he became their most important player, leading them to win 35 trophies. They won another two after he left, still in search of his successor, as they look to return to the echelons of European glory.
#1 Bayern Munich - 44 trophies
The last two decades have not seen a club more successful than Bayern Munich. However, their failure to win a single trophy last season saw Lionel Messi pass their tally of 44 with just one.