The 10 most successful footballers in history by trophies won: Messi, Ronaldo…

Lionel Messi has officially become the most decorated player in men’s football history after his latest Copa America triumph. But how does his trophy haul compare to his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, and who else features in the top 10?

We’ve taken a closer look at the 10 players to have won the most pieces of silverware for their clubs and national teams. It’s a list that’s dominated by players that featured for Pep Guardiola’s world-conquering Barcelona side.

The 2024 Copa America was the 43rd trophy that Messi has lifted in his glittering career at senior level. It’s the fifth that he’s won with Argentina, including the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the third successive major tournament that the 37-year-old has captained the Albiceleste to in his twilight years.

It remains to be seen whether Messi will hang up his boots or keep going in international football.

“I know that the moment that I know that I’m not performing, that I’m not enjoying myself, that I’m not helping my teammates [then I’ll retire]” Messi told MBC’s Big Time Podcas
more silverware with Inter Miami in the coming years. He remains contracted with the MLS outfit until 2025 and can have realistic ambitions of guiding them to the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield, having played a key role in winning the Leagues Cup in his debut season.

Thirty-eight of Messi’s trophies have been won at club level, with 34 of those with Barcelona. Only Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and Al Ahly icon Hossam Ashour can better that tally when it comes to silverware won at one club.

No fewer than five of Messi’s former Barcelona team-mates feature in football’s 10 most decorated players, which serves as a reminder of just how dominant they were as they hoovered up trophies under Guardiola and his successors.

Former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves previously held the record for football’s most decorated player but Messi has now moved ahead outright.