Messi has changed the history of Barcelona... and Real Madrid

The arrival of Lionel Messi - who made his official debut with the first team on the 16th October 2004 - has left an impressive mark on the respective successes of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Argentine star has tipped the balance in favour of his side and wrestled control of domestic success away from their fierce rivals.

That change began for Real Madrid in the 2004/05 season when, in Messi's first season, he won his first title in Barça colours. It would turn out to be the first of nine LaLiga trophies he'd claim in his time at the club. Bar a late collapse, this season should mark his tenth league title.

It was in 2004 when Real Madrid started to lose their grip and it was down in large part to the then long-haired Argentine star. You only need to look at the trophy cabinets before and after Messi made his debut.

MESSI SHIFTS THE TIDE

With Messi in their squad, Barcelona put an end to Real Madrid's dominance in LaLiga and also on the European stage. Leo helped Barcça claim 33 trophies - with a potential three more at the end of this season - whilst los Blancos have only been able to claim 20.

Messi has won nine LaLigas, six Copa del Reys, eight Spanish Super Cups, four Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups. In that same amount of time - fourteen and a half years after Leo's debut - Madrid have won four LaLigas, two Copa del Reys, three Spanish Super CUps, four Champions League, four FIFA Club World Cups and three UEFA Super Cups. That means the average amount of titles won per season at Madrid is 1.3, whilst at Barça it's been 2.2. This will rise to 2.4 if Barça win the treble this season.

ENDING A RUN OF FORM

Before Messi's debut, Real Madrid were truly the kings of Spanish football. Until the 16th October 2004, the Santiago Bernabeu housed 69 titles whilst the Camp Nou only had 54.

Madrid dominated LaLiga (29 titles to Barça's 16) and in particular, the Champions League (9 titles to Barça's sole victory in 1992). They also had 17 Copa del Reys, seven Spanish Super Cups, three Intercontinental titles, two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup and a League Cup.

In that same timeframe Barça were only able to win 24 trophies, five Spanish Super Cups, four Recopas, two UEFA Super Cups and two League Cups.

dominio effect

But Messi broke that trend. With the forward on their books, Barça have won 37.9% of the trophies available whilst Real Madrid can claim just 22.5%. The impact of the Argentine superstar is clear for all to see. Prior to his arrival, Real Madrid had won 77.5% of their trophies. Barça, by contrast, only won 62.1% of their entire trophy haul prior to the era of Messi. Barça now boast 87 titles to their name and have a chance to overtake Real Madrid (89) this season.