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Lionel Messi wins a 45th trophy as Argentina lift the Copa America - but how does he compare to Cristiano Ronaldo in football's top 10 most decorated stars?

4 months ago 23
  • Lionel Messi lifted his 45th career trophy after winning the Copa America
  • The Argentine has won more titles than any other player during a stories career
  • LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Will Gareth Southgate stick around for the World Cup? 

By Ryan Walker

Published: 21:48 BST, 15 July 2024 | Updated: 21:49 BST, 15 July 2024

Lionel Messi further solidified his spot as football's most decorated player by winning the 45th trophy of his career as Argentina retained the Copa America.

The Argentine captain was left in tears as he suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury in Monday's final against Colombia that saw him forced off in the 66th minute.

However, Messi was beaming following the end of extra time at the Hard Rock Stadium as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scored a late winner.


Wild scenes in the tournament's final clash saw thousands of supporters get caught in a scary crush as those wanting to watch Messi in action flooded through turnstiles and jumped over fences.

Messi continues to be the main figure in Argentina's team and their Copa America triumph only extended his lead as football's most celebrated player, but who follows behind the Barcelona legend.

Lionel Messi further solidified his spot as football's most decorated player by winning the Copa America with Argentina

Messi has previously won the World Cup with Argentina and is the sport's most successful player

Cristiano Ronaldo has won 35 trophies throughout his incredible playing career across Europe and Saudi Arabia

Brazilian full-back Dani Alves tucks in behind Messi with 43 trophies and became the first-ever player to reach that tally when he won the Campeonato Paulista with Sao Paulo after returning to his home nation.

Successful spells at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus had previously seen Alves regarded as one of football's best modern day full-backs.

Former Egypt star Hossam Ashour seals the third spot after starring in Africa where he won an astonishing 39 pieces of silverware during a 17-year spell.

Ashour retired from football two-years ago after a short spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad and hung up his boots as Africa's most successful player ever.

Another of Messi's former team-mates holds the status for the fourth-most titles with Andres Iniesta claiming 37 individual pieces of silverware, with the majority of those coming at Barcelona.

The legendary Spanish midfielder won nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his time at the Nou Camp and also celebrated back-to-back European Championship triumph with Spain and the World Cup in 2010 in which he scored the winning goal.

Ex-Barcelona and Man United defender Gerard Pique shares the same amount of trophies as Iniesta and similarly also won four Champions League titles while starring for the Catalan club.

Barcelona players continue to dominate the top 10 rankings with Sergio Busquets sealing sixth after winning 36 honours during his established career as one of Europe's best defensive midfielders.

Messi's former Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta has won 37 trophies throughout his career

Ryan Giggs (right) is Man United's most decorated player with 35 trophies to his name

David Alaba breaks the streak by featuring as Real Madrid's first inclusion on the list and has celebrated 36 trophies during spells in Spain and at Bayern Munich.

The Austrian won a ridiculous 10 Bundesliga titles in Munich and also starred as the club lifted two Champions League trophies as well. He has since added another two European titles won with Madrid.

Kenny Dalglish is the United Kingdom's first representative and during his stories Liverpool playing career won an astonishing 35 trophies.

The Scot won 11 of those titles in his home nation before later moving to Anfield where he starred by helping the club win six First Division titles and three European Cup trophies. 

TOP 10 MOST DECORATED PLAYERS 

1. Lionel Messi - 45

2. Dani Alves - 43

3. Hossam Ashour - 39

4. Andres Iniesta - 37

5. Gerard Pique - 37

6. Sergio Busquets - 36

7. David Alaba - 36

8. Kenny Dalglish - 35

9. Ryan Giggs - 35

10. Cristiano Ronaldo - 35 

Ryan Giggs earns his spot at number nine as the Manchester United legend lifted 35 trophies during his time at the English giants.

The Welshman won 13 Premier League titles across a 24-year career at the club and also won the Champions League twice alongside several other domestic honours.

Cristiano Ronaldo rounds out the list as football's 10th most celebrated player with 35 trophies won by the Portuguese legend.

Five Champions League titles, two LaLiga and three Premier League trophies are amongst his achievements that has also seen Ronaldo deliver success with the national team as well. 

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