Has Lionel Messi won the Olympics?

Lionel Messi has the most trophies in the history of soccer, but does he have an Olympic gold medal?

Lionel Messi just won his record 45th title this summer as Argentina defeated Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final. Even at age 37, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is still furthering his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Just two years prior, the Argentine led La Albiceleste to their third World Cup.

After waiting just about his entire career to win a major title for his country, Messi has secured three in as many years. There is one achievement for Argentina, though, that largely gets overlooked when talking about Messi's trophy cabinet, and it came 16 years ago.

Has Lionel Messi won the Olympics?

Yes, Lionel Messi has won an Olympic gold medal. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner secured the ultimate prize at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, recording his first real achievement for Argentina.

Messi was just 21 years old when he competed at his first and only Olympic Games, yet he unsurprisingly helped lead his side to gold. La Albiceleste did not lose a single match at the tournament, collecting all nine available points in the group stage before making their way through the knockout rounds.

With teammates like Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, Messi did not need to be the hero, but he still contributed to Argentina's run; the forward scored two goals, one in the group stage and the opener in the quarter-finals.

Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the gold medal match to bring home La Albiceleste's second gold medal. In fact, the 2008 victory was the last time Argentina won gold in men's soccer at the Olympics.

La Albiceleste are one of the favorites in men's soccer, though, at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, but without their captain on the roster, the group of young players will have to write their own history.