Every year that passes by, is in a sense, a step closer to the time when the sporting arena will no longer be able to witness one of the greatest footballers of all time – Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona star has turned 32 today. A number which would mean that the end is near for many athletes across disciplines and across the world. However, with Messi it’ s different. He could play till 40 if he wishes to, perhaps his “bad” or “slow” would still be “good enough” at the International level; such is the talent of the man.

At the moment, the Argentina national is at the peak of his game and breaking records one after as he keeps on bagging accolades and netting goals.

Irrespective of the man’s record with his national team, Messi is one of the best football players of all time and it has been an absolute privilege for all football lovers to watch him play over the years.

On his 32nd birthday, here is a look at his illustrious career, breaking them down to episodes of 5 years each

At 17 – A teenaged Lionel Messi announced himself to World football when he made his debut against Espanyol. The youngster went on to score his maiden goal against Albacete. This season also saw him winning the first of the many trophies he was about to win in the coming years as Barca won LaLiga.

At 22 – Messi at 22 had already become quite a force to reckon with and was already a household name in many parts of the world. However, at 22, Messi failed to retain the Champions League and Copa del Rey after winning the previous year. But he still managed to win the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup for the first time. La Liga and Supercopa were some of his other achievements as Messi won his first ever Ballon d’Or.

At 27 – Messi after an out of form phase was back to being his awesome self. His champions League drought ended after his 27th birthday. He was spot on in the pitch and topped all leading goalscoring charts.

At 31 – With key player and captain Andre Iniesta gone, Barcelona appointed Messi as their captain and he soon lifted his first trophy as captain clinching the Supercopa.

He netted his 600th goal for Barcelona. At 31, Messi is a superstar, having won the prestigious Ballon d’Or five times and having achieved all kinds of records to his credit.

Hopefully, on his 32nd Birthday, Messi will gift himself and his country a Copa America win to erase the only dark spot in his glittering career- a trophy for Argentina.