What Position Does Messi Play? Discover the Football Icon’s Evolution

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What Position Does Messi Play?

Lionel Messi, often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has constantly adapted his playing position over his remarkable career. From his early days at La Masia to his current stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi’s roles on the field have evolved to match his growing football intelligence and the changing demands of the game. In this article, we will explore what position does Messi play, how it has shifted over time, and the impact it has had on his legacy as a football icon.

1. The Early Days at La Masia (2000-2004)

Messi began his journey at Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia, where he was primarily deployed as a left winger or a central attacking midfielder. His early playing style mirrored the classic Argentine enganche, operating as a number 10 who orchestrates plays between the midfield and the forward line.

1.1. Left Winger and Playmaker

During his youth career, Messi frequently played as a left winger or just behind the striker. His incredible dribbling, vision, and playmaking skills were already evident, setting the foundation for his later success as a versatile attacking player.

2. The Breakthrough at Barcelona (2004-2008)

When Messi transitioned to Barcelona’s first team, he predominantly played on the right wing. This tactical decision was influenced by the presence of Ronaldinho on the left and Samuel Eto’o as the central striker in Barcelona’s 4-3-3 formation.

2.1. The Right Winger Role

As a right winger, Messi utilized his close control and explosive dribbling to cut inside from the flank, frequently setting up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. This period was crucial in shaping what position Messi plays in his later years, as he started to drift into central areas to influence the game more directly.

3. The False 9 Era under Guardiola (2009-2014)

One of the most significant shifts in what position does Messi play occurred under Pep Guardiola. In 2009, Guardiola introduced Messi to the False 9 role, a position that redefined modern football tactics. Rather than playing as a traditional striker, Messi would drop deeper into midfield, confusing defenders and creating space for his teammates.

3.1. The False 9 Role

This tactical innovation allowed Messi to utilize his playmaking abilities while maintaining his goal-scoring prowess fully. By drifting into deeper positions, Messi became both the team’s chief creator and primary goal scorer, culminating in a period of extraordinary success. His mastery of the False 9 role earned him four consecutive Ballon d’Or awards and cemented his reputation as the most dangerous player in world football.

4. The MSN Era with Suarez and Neymar (2014-2017)

The arrival of Luis Suarez in 2014 brought another transformation to Messi’s playing role. In this period, Messi returned to the right wing, but with even greater freedom to influence the game from central areas. The trio of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar (known as MSN) formed one of the most lethal attacking partnerships in football history.

4.1. Right Winger with Central Influence

Messi’s role on the right wing was far from traditional. With Suarez playing as a central striker and Neymar operating on the left, Messi frequently drifted into central areas to act as both a playmaker and goal-scorer. His versatility allowed Barcelona’s attack to be unpredictable, with all three forwards interchanging positions fluidly. During this time, Messi continued to showcase his ability to adapt to new roles and maintain a high level of performance.

5. The Final Barcelona Years (2017-2021)

Following Neymar’s departure in 2017 and several managerial changes, Messi’s position on the field became more flexible. At times, he returned to the False 9 role, while in other matches, he played as a central attacking midfielder or even as a more traditional number 10.

5.1. Adapting to Different Roles

Despite these tactical shifts, Messi’s impact on the game remained unparalleled. He continued to dictate the tempo of Barcelona’s attack, scoring and assisting with remarkable consistency. This period demonstrated Messi’s exceptional ability to adapt to different formations and maintain his elite performance level.

6. The Move to Paris Saint-Germain (2021-Present)

In 2021, Messi’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain marked the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. At PSG, Messi has been deployed primarily as a right winger but with greater creative freedom to influence play from central positions, similar to his role during the MSN era.

6.1. Right Winger and Playmaker

At PSG, Messi continues to defy expectations, seamlessly linking up with teammates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. His current role allows him to combine playmaking duties with his goal-scoring ability, showing that Messi remains a dynamic force on the field even in the later stages of his career.

7. Messi’s Evolution: A Summary

In summary, what position does Messi play has been a question with many answers throughout his career. From his early days as a left winger and playmaker at La Masia to his iconic False 9 role under Guardiola and his current playmaking responsibilities at PSG, Messi has consistently evolved to meet the demands of the game.

8. Future Prospects: What to Expect from Messi

As Messi enters the twilight of his career, it is likely that his role on the field will continue to evolve. We may see him take on more of a deep-lying playmaker role, where his exceptional vision and passing ability can be utilized even more. Regardless of his position, Messi’s football intelligence and technical skills will ensure that he remains an influential figure for years to come.

9. The Impact of Messi’s Playing Position on His Legacy

Messi’s ability to excel in a wide range of positions has been a key factor in his unparalleled legacy. By consistently adapting his game and excelling in different roles, Messi has proven that he is not just a goal scorer but also one of the most complete footballers in history. His versatility has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance across two decades, solidifying his place as one of football’s all-time greats.

10. Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s journey through various playing positions is a testament to his extraordinary talent, football intelligence, and adaptability. Whether playing as a winger, a False 9, or a central playmaker, Messi has always found a way to leave his mark on the game. As we continue to watch him at PSG and beyond, it’s clear that what position Messi plays will continue to evolve, but his brilliance on the field will remain constant.

Q&A: Messi’s Position Throughout His Career

Q: What position does Messi play for Inter Miami?

A: Although Messi recently joined Inter Miami, his role is expected to be similar to his previous teams, where he typically operates as a right winger with freedom to drift into central playmaking areas. His versatility allows him to play deeper as a creative midfielder or in a more advanced attacking role, depending on the tactical needs of the team.

Q: What position does Messi play for PSG?

A: During his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi primarily played as a right winger. However, he was often given creative freedom to drift into central areas, combining playmaking duties with goal-scoring. This flexibility allowed him to form a lethal partnership with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, creating one of Europe’s most dynamic attacking trios.

Q: What position does Messi play for Argentina?

A: For the Argentina national team, Messi typically plays as an attacking midfielder or a right winger. His role with Argentina has evolved over time, with Messi sometimes playing deeper in midfield to control the game and create opportunities for his teammates, especially in crucial tournaments like the World Cup and Copa América.

Q: What position did Messi play at Barcelona?

A: Messi’s position at Barcelona evolved throughout his career. He started as a right winger but was most famously utilized as a “False 9” under Pep Guardiola. Later, he returned to the right wing but often drifted centrally to act as both a playmaker and a goal-scorer. His versatility made him an irreplaceable figure in Barcelona’s attack.

Q: What position did Messi play in 2012?

A: In 2012, Messi primarily played as a False 9 under Guardiola at Barcelona. This tactical role allowed him to drop deeper into midfield, confuse defenders, and create space for his attacking teammates while still being the primary goal-scorer. That year, Messi scored a record-breaking 91 goals, showcasing the success of the False 9 system.

Q: What is Messi’s position in football?

A: Messi is known for his versatility, playing a variety of roles throughout his career. His primary position is as a right winger, but he has also thrived as a central playmaker, attacking midfielder, and False 9. His unique ability to adapt and excel in different positions has contributed to his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Q: What is Messi’s best position?

A: While Messi has excelled in multiple positions, many argue that his best role is as a False 9, where he can utilize both his playmaking and goal-scoring abilities. This position allows him to drop deep, dictate the tempo, and create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.