On Sunday, Paris Saint-Germain won the Trophee des Champions, the French Super Cup, against Nantes in what was Lionel Messi‘s second trophy with the club and the 41st of his career, taking him closer to Dani Alves‘ world record.
Former Barcelona right back Dani Alves holds the record for most career trophies with 43, counting club and international competitions. His former teammate Messi is now just two behind that tally.
At 35 years old and playing for PSG, you certainly wouldn’t bet against Messi overtaking Alves now that he is within touching distance of the Brazilian’s record.
At 39 years old, Alves is still playing, but his current club, UNAM Pumas haven’t won the Liga MX since 2011 or the cup since 1975, so it is likely his total will remain at 43.
Messi, then, is well on course to becoming the most decorated player in football history, a fitting honour for the player many consider to be the best of his generation and one of the all-time greats.
It is in fact very possible that Messi equals Alves’ figure this season as it would only require PSG to win Ligue 1 and a French cup, certainly not beyond their capabilities or expectations.
The World Cup in Qatar this winter will also no doubt be a target for both players and a chance for them to add to their vast trophy cabinets.
Alves has already won six trophies with Brazil (two Copa Americas, two Confederations Cups, one Olympics and one U20 World Cup), while Messi has four with Argentina (Copa America, CONEMBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, Olympics, U20 World Cup).
The best of the rest
Behind Alves and Messi on the all-time trophy list come Andres Iniesta (37), Gerard Pique (36) and Cristiano Ronaldo (34).
Pique is the most likely of that trio to add to his collection, but he remains some way behind Messi. This could be a big year for the Argentine legend in more ways than one as he aims to keep making history.
