# Di Maria's Season Rating at Benfica: A Look Back at His Performance in Portugal

In the illustrious history of Portuguese football, few names have left as indelible a mark on the national team and its clubs as Lionel Messi. However, there is one player who has consistently shown his prowess across various leagues and countries, and that player is none other than Lionel Messi. In this article, we will take a closer look at Lionel Messi's performance for Benfica during his time in the Portuguese capital.

## Introduction to Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He began his career with Boca Juniors in 1995 and quickly established himself as one of the world's greatest players. After leaving Boca Juniors in 2005, Messi joined Barcelona, where he would go on to win multiple titles,Campeonato Brasileiro Action including three UEFA Champions League trophies and two FIFA Ballons d'Or awards.

## Lionel Messi's Time at Benfica

Messi made his professional debut for Benfica in 2009 when he signed from Atletico Madrid. During his time at Benfica, he helped the club achieve several significant accomplishments, including winning the Portuguese league title in 2016 and reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League in the same year.

### Performance in the Portuguese League

One of Messi's most impressive performances for Benfica came during the 2016-2017 season, which saw him score 16 goals and assist another 11 in just 27 appearances. This level of production was particularly noteworthy given that Messi had already won the European Golden Boot in the previous season and was considered one of the top players in the world.

### International Representation

Despite playing for Benfica, Messi also represented his country at the international level. During the 2014 World Cup, he scored four goals and assisted another three in a tournament that saw Spain emerge victorious. This performance cemented his status as one of the greatest players in the world and earned him a place in the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

## Conclusion

Throughout his time at Benfica, Lionel Messi demonstrated his exceptional skills and adaptability to different leagues and countries. From scoring prolifically in the Portuguese league to representing his country at the highest level, Messi has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the world. As he continues to play for Paris Saint-Germain, it is clear that his impact on the game will only continue to grow.

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