This version marks the emergence of Messi as a truly complete player — a stage in his development where his decision-making and finishing reached elite levels, rivaling even the greatest legends like Ronaldo Nazário. In fact, Messi became the first Barcelona player since R9 to score 47 goals in a single season, a staggering feat that underlined his transformation from a dazzling talent into a relentless goal-scoring machine.
Much of this evolution was shaped under Pep Guardiola, who had the vision to reposition Messi from a traditional winger into a revolutionary false nine. That tactical shift unlocked his full potential — combining explosive dribbling, athleticism, and sharper instincts with a newfound sense of maturity on the pitch.
This iteration of Messi felt like a constant threat. Every time he touched the ball, it sent a signal of danger — defenders knew it, fans felt it, and opponents feared it. It was the beginning of an era where he would remain the best player in the world for years to come.
Everyone who witnessed this version of Messi knew they were seeing something generational. A player not just destined for greatness — but one already laying claim to the title of greatest of all time.
And looking back now... they weren’t wrong, were they?
