The Barcelona years
Messi joined Barcelona's academy at 13 and made his first-team debut at 17. Over 17 senior seasons he scored 672 goals — more than any other player has scored for a single club in football history — and lifted 10 La Liga titles plus 4 Champions Leagues.
Single-season records still standing from that era: 73 goals in 2011/12 (all competitions) and 50 La Liga goals in 2011/12.