9 Records That Lionel Messi Will Be Keen to Break Before He Hangs Up His Boots

Lionel Messi - undoubtedly one of the best players to ever grace the football pitch - has collected a brilliant tally of individual records over the years; and with a few years still left of his sparkling career at Barcelona, there's still plenty of time to add even more of a mark on the history of football.

At the age of 30, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Argentinian knocking around for another six years - and he could probably do it all at the top level knowing his ability. So here's nine more record that Lionel Messi could well manage by the time he retires. That is, according to Sport...

1. The Player with the Most Trophies in History

Now, Messi currently sits on a very comfortable 30 trophies throughout his career. The five time Ballon d'Or winner is only six trophies away from equalling Ryan Giggs' record, and needs 37 in total to take the crown - which is a definite possibility. 

2. Top Goal Scorer in Champions League Histroy

This will be quite a challenge. With 97 goals to his name, Messi needs to surpass the still active Cristiano Ronaldo, who is only two years his elder with 110 Champions League goals. Stranger things have happened.

3. Player with the Most European Cups

Paco Gento currently leads the way with six, with Messi stuck on four. But the Blaugrana attacker has time on his side.

4. Player with the Most European Titles

Paolo Maldini and Dani Alves currently share the spoils on nine each, but Messi only needs three before the end of his career to take the record to ten.

5. Top Goal Scorer for One Club

Now Pele's tally of 643 for Santos might be too much for Messi's 523, but the Argentinian can clinch the record on a European scale by surpassing Josef Bican's 534 for Slavia Prague.

6. Player with the Most Barcelona Appearances

With 600 to his name, Messi has quite a way to go before dethroning Xavi (767 games) - but it's definitely possible.

7. Player with the Most Wins in Spain

Almost a dead cert. Messi only need 36 more to equal Iker Casillas' record of 334 victories.

8. Player with the Most Golden Boots

Messi and Ronaldo are currently tied with four to their name, but with Messi already on 12 for the season, and being two years younger than CR7 - this shouldn't be too difficult to achieve.

9. Player with the Most Ballon d'Ors

Messi currently holds this record - but will do well to defend it. Ronaldo is expected to equal Lionel's five in the next few months, and the Argentinian will need to reassert his dominance.